September 3, 1999

Parents whose children are heading back to school often need a little help around this time of year getting their youngsters ready. According to Mary Lou Kelleher, RN, MS, clinical nurse specialist for MGH Pediatrics, there are several things that parents should consider when sending their children back to school.

"Safety is an important thing to keep in mind," says Kelleher. She offers the following tips to keep children safe:

• Going to and from school – Walk the route with children at least once and point out where the crossing guards will be. Emphasize using the sidewalk at all times.

• On the school bus – Review with children how to behave on a bus and what to do if anyone bothers them. Make certain children know where to get on and off the bus.

• Strangers – Remind children not to talk to or take anything offered by a stranger or even another child they don't know. Parents should teach their children what to do if they feel unsafe, such as to find a neighborhood "safe house."

Kelleher says that now also is a good time to establish routines. Children need plenty of sleep and good nutrition. Parents should start a new bedtime schedule a week or so before school begins. Parents should also set guidelines with their children for doing homework, setting regular times without the distractions of TV or radio. "Change can be as disturbing as it is exciting, and allowing children time to talk about it is a good way to face these issues together," says Kelleher.

The most important thing is to plan well. "Don’t leave all of these conversations about safety and schedule changes to the night before school starts," says Kelleher. "Planning ahead will help to avoid problems and will help everyone start the year off right."

For more information regarding back-to-school tips, call 4-KIDS.