Ten Tips for Ensuring a Healthy, Safe and Successful School Year

It will be several more years before my little one heads off to school, but it's never too early to start thinking about things I can do to help ensure that the school year is healthy, safe, and successful.

1. Don't be afraid of early bed times. The vast majority of kids are not getting enough sleep which results in behavioral problems and poor performance in school.
2. Talk on a regular basis with your child about how things are going. Keeping the lines of communication open is so important - especially as kids reach those scary jr. high years.
3. Don't skip breakfast. Help your kids prepare for a busy school day by starting the day with a filling, fresh breakfast. 
4. Pack healthy, nutritious lunches. (While you're at it, don't forget to eat healthy yourself!)
5. Stay involved in your child's school. Be aware of what is going on in your child's class and be involved whenever possible.
6. Get the annual physical. Make sure the kiddos are up to date on all the required vaccinations.
7. Make a trip to the eye doctor to make sure your child can read without eye strain.
8. Throw a back to school bash to get the kids excited about the new year. 
9. Check that their backpack fits properly. If your child will be carrying a lot of heavy books on a regular basis, consider a backpack with wheels.
10. Get to know your child's teacher. Stay informed about areas where they are struggling and provide extra help where needed through tutors, one-on-one mentoring, and good old fashioned encouragement. 

“I wrote this blog post while participating in the TwitterMoms and Airwear blogging program, making me eligible to get a $25 gift card. For more information on how you can participate, visit http://airwear.twittermoms.com/about.