Alright y’all, it’s that time again. The smell of fresh notebooks, new shoes hittin’ the floors, and everybody pretendin’ like they’ve got it all together. But before you send those babies out the door with mismatched socks and cold Pop-Tarts, let’s make sure they’re startin’ the school year off healthy, strong, and not bringin’ home any critters,germs or otherwise. Here’s your no-nonsense, back-to-school health checklist.
1. Get That Check-Up
If your kid hasn’t seen their doctor since last year’s flu shot tantrum, it’s time. A wellness exam makes sure they’re growin’ right, hearin’ what the teacher’s sayin’, and not silently dealin’ with stuff like anxiety or attention issues. And yes, bring the forms. There’s always a form.
2. Shots: Don’t Skip ‘Em
I don’t care how tough your kid is, they still need their immunizations. We’re talkin’ the usual
suspects, MMR, DTaP, HPV, flu shots, and whatever else the school nurse is chasin’ folks down for. Call the clinic and make sure y’all are up to date.
3. Can They See and Hear You?
If your child’s been squintin’ at the TV or sayin’ “huh?” more than usual, get those eyes and ears
checked. Ain’t nothin’ worse than missin’ out on the lesson ‘cause you couldn’t see the board or
hear the teacher over your own thoughts.
4. Feed ‘Em Like You Love ‘Em
Yes, I know cereal’s easy, but let’s not send them to school runnin’ on sugar fumes and hope. A
good breakfast of protein, fruit, somethin’ with a little stick-to-your-ribs action, can make all the
difference. Same goes for lunch. And maybe, throw a water bottle in their backpack.
5. Reset That Bedtime Clock
If your kid’s been stayin’ up till midnight watchin’ YouTube and sleepin’ till noon, it’s time to reel it
back in. Start movin’ bedtime earlier now so the first day of school doesn’t feel like boot camp.
6. Teach ‘Em to Be Germ Ninjas
Wash your hands, don’t touch your face, and for the love of Lysol, stop sharing earbuds. A mini
bottle of hand sanitizer and some tissues in the backpack ain’t overkill, it’s survival.
7. Talk About Meds and Allergies
If your child’s got asthma, diabetes, food allergies, or needs medicine during school, make sure the nurse knows what’s what. Refill prescriptions, sign the forms, and tape a note to their forehead if you have to. Okay, not really, but you get the idea.
8. Check Their Heart, Mentally, TooNew school year can stir up some big feelings. If your kid’s acting off, extra quiet, extra cranky,
or sayin’ their stomach hurts every morning, don’t ignore it. Sit down, listen, and if you need to, get some support. Mental health matters just as much as the rest of it.
9. That Backpack Ain’t a Suitcase
If your child looks like they’re headed on a 3-week hike through the Ozarks, we’ve got a
problem. Make sure they’re usin’ both straps, cleanin’ it out once a week, and not haulin’ around every book they own “just in case.”
10. Safety First-Online and Off
Whether they’re walkin’ , ridin’ the bus, or scrollin’ TikTok, your kid needs to know how to stay safe. Talk about strangers, passwords, who they can trust, and how to speak up if somethin’ don’t feel right. Better a little awkward conversation now than a big ol’ mess later.
You ain’t gotta be a perfect parent, just a prepared one. Check these boxes, trust your gut, and send those babies out the door knowin’ they’ve got everything they need:heart, health, and a little extra love in their lunchbox.
As the school year approaches, parents everywhere are checking off supply lists and getting calendars in order. But amidst the busyness, don’t forget that your child’s health is one of the most important parts of a successful school year
