Back to School 2018

Your guide to being back-to-school ready!

How to pick the right backpack for your child Your kids need a good backpack to carry all their books and supplies to and from school. Take your children shopping with you to choose a backpack that’s comfortable as well as suitable for their size and shape.

The bag should not be wider than your child’s back or higher than their shoulders, and the bottom of

the bag should rest above hip level. To avoid slipping straps, pick a backpack with adjustable padded straps that are at least five centimetres wide.

Ideally, pick a model with a

CARRY THE BASICS Doctors and chiropractors agree: a full backpack shouldn’t weigh more than 10 per cent of your child’s weight. Get your child used to travelling light by teaching them to only use their backpack for things they absolutely need to do their schoolwork and keep up in class. Also, teach them to place heavier books in the main compartment, close to their body, and to spread out lighter items inside different side compartments.

waistband so that the weight is spread out in the best way possible. You should also choose something made of resistant material. But be careful! Leather and thick denim can add unnecessary weight. Look for a backpack made from lightweight, waterproof, washable fabric.

Essential back-to-school checklist Without a doubt, having a to-do list of things to get ready for the new school year is one of the best ways to stay organized. Here’s a checklist to help you stay on track as you prepare to send your kids back to class: o Make appointments with your children’s dentist, doctor and optometrist o Inform the school of any health issues your children might have o Review any school correspondence you received over the summer o Inventory all of the school supplies and clothes that can be reused this year o Buy all the school supplies required by the school o Buy backpacks and lunchboxes, as necessary o Plan lunches and snacks o Label all personal items o If your kids will be walking to and from school, practice the route a few times with them o Set up a space in your home for homework and studying o Display the school calendar somewhere in your house o Make arrangements for after-school care, if necessary o Take part in any parent-teacher meetings o Adjust bedtime and wake-up time a few days before starting the school year o Get lunch, clothes and backpacks ready the evening before the first day of class o Wake up earlier on the first day of school so as not to rush Finally, make the most of the last few days to have fun. After all, summer isn’t over yet!

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A publication of The Daily Star August 29, 30 and 31, 2018

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Back to School - THE DAILY STARB

AUG. 29, 30 AND 31, 2018

Smart tips for school bus safety Do your children ride the bus to school? Before it’s time to head back to class, take a few minutes to remind them of the following safety guidelines: • Head to the bus stop early, without running, and wait calmly, away from the road and traffic.

• Don’t approach the bus until it has come to a complete stop.

• Use the handrail to get on the bus.

• Do not shove other students.

• Sit down quickly.

• Place your backpack at your feet, under the seat, or on your knees.

School transportation safety is everyone’s business: it’s up to you too!

• Throughout the ride, stay calm: don’t get up, don’t yell and don’t bother the driver.

• Before leaving your seat, make sure the bus has come to a complete stop.

• Get off in a single file, while holding on to the rail and without pu­ shing others.

• Take two big steps once you’re off the bus to move away from the danger zone. If you drop something, do not pick it up. Let the driver know or ask an adult for help.

• If you need to cross the road, take ten big steps forward so that the driver can see you. Make eye con­tact with the driver and wait for their signal. Look left, right and left again before crossing quickly, but don’t run.

•Go straight home, without any detours or delays.

The art of stress-free, budget-friendly clothes shopping The start of the school year is a great time to renew your child’s wardrobe.

Time to leave aside last year’s clothes that are too small or worn out and make room for what’s new! But how can you buy fashionable clothes with­ out breaking the bank, all while avoiding nightmarish shopping trips?

Here are a few clever tips and tricks!

• Sort your child’s clothes before going shopping. Set aside items that no longer fit (or have fallen out of favour) and make a list of what you need to buy.

• Set a budget that takes into account the value of spending a bit more on things like shoes, boots and coats.

• Keep track of sales by looking through flyers, and subscribe to your favourite stores’ newsletters to receive exclusive discounts.

• Let your child actively participate in the process. Together, have fun browsing and finding items that

they like and that fit your criteria (price, maintenance, comfort, durability, etc.).

• Maximize outfit possibilities by choosing clo­thes that go well together.

• Bank on accessories (scar­ves, hats, belts, socks, etc.) to create low-cost trendy looks.

• Write down what you spend as you spend it to ensure that you stay on budget.

New clothes can help your child start the new school year off on the right foot.

It’s true — kids who feel comfortable in outfits that reflect

their personal style are likely to head back to class with more self-confidence and greater self-esteem.

How to help your child beat motion sickness Have you heard of kinetosis, more commonly known as motion sickness? Around 20 per cent of the population experiences this issue, and children between the ages of 2 and 12 are most likely to be affected. Does your child complain of nausea, headaches, sweating, dizziness or vomiting when on the school bus? Here are a few things you can do to fight back against motion sickness: • Make sure your child gets enough sleep; fatigue can aggravate nausea.

• Have your child eat a balanced breakfast, without too much fat or sugar, about an hour before the bus ride.

• Speak to the bus driver and come to an agreement (if possible) so that your child can sit near the front of the bus. That way, they can look straight ahead and into the distance.

• Tell your child to keep their head still while travelling and to focus on their breathing. Slowly inhaling and exhaling through the nose is a great way to keep motion sickness at bay.

• Remind your child to stay calm and avoid reading on the bus.

If symptoms persist, talk to your doctor or pharmacist. They’ll be able to suggest treatment options according to your child’s age and weight. Always ask a medical professional before using over-thecounter medication, even natural remedies. Finally, remember: most people’s motion sickness symptoms become milder or even disappear around the age of 12.

Back to School - THE DAILY STAR

AUG. 29, 30 AND 31, 2018

Food allergies at school: what you should know Many schools have an outright ban on major food allergens such as peanuts and tree nuts. Other establishments bank on awareness and education instead to protect their students. One way or another, it’s always best to proceed with caution when it comes to potentially problematic foods in your kids’ lunches.

IF YOUR CHILD HAS ALLERGIES Before the start of the school year, provide the administration with a document signed by your doctor indicating all relevant information about your child’s allergies. The document should include your child’s name and photo, a list of problematic foods, a description of allergy symptoms, the location where the epinephrine auto-injector is stored, how it should be used, and what to do and who to contact in case of emergency.

Talk with the school staff. Answer their questions and make sure they all understand the importance of the steps to follow if necessary. Furthermore, make sure your child understands the potential severity of their allergies and remind them not to trade or share food with others.

IF YOUR CHILD DOESN’T HAVE ALLERGIES Were you sent a list of foods that are forbidden at your child’s school?

Read it carefully. Make sure to follow the guidelines, even if your child has no allergies. It’s not always easy to provide lunches and snacks that adhere to schools’ food requirements and restrictions, but the safety of all your child’s classmates is worth the extra attention.

Healthy breakfast and snack suggestions These quick and healthy breakfasts and snacks will give your children the energy they need to get through the day. Your whole family will love them!

BREAKFAST IDEAS Breakfast gives children and adults alike the fuel their muscles and brains need to start the day off right. It’s been shown that a balanced breakfast increases concentration and productivity. Running late? Here are five nutritious breakfast ideas that you can make in no time: 1. A bowl of cottage cheese with fruit and toast 2. Microwave scrambled eggs served with fruit and a slice of bread 3. A smoothie made with enriched soy milk and fresh fruit 4. A banana in a whole-grain tortilla with peanut butter 5. Greek yogurt with berries and flaxseeds

SNACK IDEAS Did you know that healthy snacks are as important as meals for your children’s growth?

By making nutritious snacks for them to take to school, you’ll help your kids stay alert and energized throughout the day.

Here are five onthe-go snack ideas: 1. Celery sticks with hummus 2. An apple and cheese

Get your kids excited every time they discover the contents of their lunchbox!

Decorate your dishes with fun stickers or write a few words of encouragement on napkins.

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School hygiene tips • Children should wash their hands with soap and water after using the bathroom, before eating and after playing outdoors.

• Children can bring along their own tissues and promptly discard them after use.

• Parents should ensure that fingernails are clipped and clean.

• Keep ill children home from school, especially if they have a fever. Keep them home until they are fever- or symptom-free.

• Toys and community supplies should be washed or disinfected regularly to kill germs.

3. A handful of dried fruit and pumpkin seeds 4. A homemade muffin with milk 5. Crackers with melted cheese and applesauce Healthy breakfasts and snacks can work miracles every day. They’re essential for your children’s success at school. Don’t forget them!

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Back to School - THE DAILY STAR

AUG. 29, 30 AND 31, 2018

When teens won’t let go of their smartphones Is your teen a social media and text messaging junkie with their nose always glued to their smartphone? Here are a few tips to help you manage the time they spend staring at their device: • Designate areas where phones aren’t allowed (the living room and the washroom, for example).

• Forbid the use of cellphones during dinner at home or at a restaurant, or even when guests are over.

• Establish a time during which social media and text messaging are not allowed (between 9 p.m. and the next morning, for instance).

• Urge your teen to turn their phone off at least one hour before going to bed so that they can relax and minimize the negative effect of blue light on their sleeping patterns.

• Remind your young driver of the importance of not answering the phone or texting when driving.

• Encourage your teen to take part in activities where cellphone use is forbidden (sports, improv, music, etc.).

• Put your teen in charge of their cellphone use by having them take care of the costs and limits of their plan.

SET A GOOD EXAMPLE Of course, when attempting to manage the time your teen spends with their phone, you may meet some resistance. To help yourself weather the storm, be a good role model and try to also follow the rules you set. Good luck!

Four tips to survive

school supply shopping

Is the annual back-to-school shopping spree making you dizzy? Did your kids’ school send you an endless list of ultra-specific supplies to buy? Don’t panic! Here are four tips and tricks to help you shop hassle-free: 1. List all the supplies you already have at home. Are there any leftover binders, stacks of loose-leaf, lunchboxes or pencil cases that could be reused?

By retrieving everything salvageable from previous school years, you’ll save both time and money.

2. Skim through flyers to find the best prices, but don’t go from one end of town to the other. It’s often more rewarding — and certainly more

re­laxing — to do most of your shopping at a single place.

3. Stick to the list and only buy the basics. There will always be time to surprise your child or buy extra supplies on sale once the school year has begun.

4. Don’t wait until the last minute to start shopping, and hit the stores on a weekday morning if possible. You’ll be much more efficient without the stress of time crunches and chaotic crowds.

If, in spite of all this, you’re still overwhelmed, online shopping might be a good option to consider. But be careful: buy from reputable vendors and read the refund and return policies carefully. Happy shopping!