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PARENTING
If your child has a chronic
health problem—such as
asthma, diabetes, epilepsy or
allergies—it’s important to
notify his or her school, reports
the American Academy of
Pediatrics (AAP). Teachers and
staff can be most helpful when
they’re fully informed.
To ensure that your child has
the proper care at school, the
AAP recommends that you give
the school a written care plan
with specific instructions that
includes:
•
A brief medical history
•
An explanation of your child’s
needs
•
A description of any medi-
cines or procedures required
during the day
•
Possible problems or special
precautions that should be
taken
•
Contact information to
reach you or another adult
caregiver
In addition, schedule a
meeting with school staff to
discuss the services that your
child needs.
Also, ask your child’s doctor
for help creating a detailed
plan outlining what the school
should do if an emergency
arises. And be sure to let the
school know about any changes
in your child’s condition or
treatment.
“HOW WAS SCHOOL TODAY?”
That’s a question you’re bound to
ask often during the school year.
As a parent, there’s much you can do
tomake sure that your child’s response
is a positive one. Consider the follow-
ing tips to help your child succeed at
school.
Help make homework a habit.
Set
aside ample time for tackling home-
work, and create a permanent study
spot that allows your child to con-
centrate. Be sure that the TV stays off
during homework time. Also be avail-
able to answer questions and provide
guidance—but never do your child’s
homework.
Boost brainpower with breakfast.
Regular breakfast-skipping is tied to
lower school performance. Breakfast
helps provide fuel to learn.
Make sleep a priority.
Kids who are
chronically sleep-deprived are more
likely to have problems learning and
paying attention and are at higher risk
of being overweight than their more
rested classmates. School-age children
generally need at least nine hours of
shut-eye every night.
Be a positive force.
Express interest
and excitement about the school year.
Encourage initiative and curiosity.
Praise your child when he or she par-
ticipates in school activities and tries
new things. Your positive attitude is
likely to be contagious.
Sources: Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics;
American Academy of Pediatrics; National Institutes
of Health
Make the Grade!
It’s important to express
interest and excitement
about the school year.
WHAT TO
DO ABOUT
A CHRONIC
ILLNESS
Y O U C A N H E L P Y O U R C H I L D
D O W E L L I N S C H O O L
KOO T E NA I
H E A L T H
. OR G
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