Now is the optimal time to immunize your kids against the fall/winter respiratory viruses.

Healthy Kids, Stronger Classrooms: Here’s How
Every school day counts. And too many absences can have a big impact on your child’s education and health. School is where children learn, socialize with friends, eat healthy meals, get exercise, and find support to help them grow and thrive.

1. Prioritize healthy routines: sleep, exercise & nutritious meals
   Begin with the basics. Make sure your child eats nutritious meals and gets plenty of physical activity and sleep. All of these are key to success in school and social life.
   Nutritious meals help kids function better at school.
   Getting enough sleep is critical to staying healthy and thriving at school. Not getting enough sleep can affect memory, concentration, creativity, and learning. In fact, lack of sleep is linked with lower academic performance, school attendance and tardiness.
   Digital devices like laptops, tablets, and cell phones are now a bigger part of the day for most of us. Kids may use them for schoolwork and to connect with friends or play games. The start of the school year is a good time to help your children set boundaries when using screens at school and at home.
   To balance screen time and help them sleep, encourage your child to make physical activity a regular part of their day.
2. Stay up-to-date on checkups & immunizations
   If your child has not had a well-child checkup in the last year, schedule a back-to-school physical. At the checkup, your pediatrician can go over treatment plans for your child during the school day. They can also fill out medication and sports physical forms. All kids should get physical sports, even if they are not involved in sports. The doctor can go over concerns about diet, physical fitness, and body image.
   Sharing space in school means it is easy for contagious diseases to spread quickly. During the checkup, ask your pediatrician if your child is caught up on their vaccines. It’s one of the most important steps to help keep everyone healthy in school. When more school kids have immunity, it’s harder for diseases to spread. And that means they can continue to learn, grow, and thrive.
3. Mental health matters: what to look for & how to help
   Childhood and adolescence are exciting times. It can also be filled with challenges and change. Many children and teens struggle with mental health, so it can help to always watch for signs in your child. Some kids may show signs like struggling in school, sleep problems, or physical symptoms. School absences may also be a sign.
   Getting support early can make all the difference
   Remind your child that they can tell you anything. Show them that you are a welcoming place for them to talk about their feelings and concerns. Let them know if it is okay to ask for help if they feel like they need more support from you.
   Other trusted adults like school counselors and social workers are there for them. Some children are absent from school because of bullying and exclusion. Make sure your child knows a trusted adult at school to talk about bullying, whether it’s physical, verbal, or social. It can happen at school, on the school bus, in the neighborhood, or through digital devices.
   Your pediatrician can also talk through mental health concerns with your child and you. They can help make a plan if your child needs more help.
   Remember
   Reach out to your pediatrician with questions about keeping your child healthy so they can stay in school, or if your child isn’t feeling well, and you’re not sure if they should stay home.