Health Advice For Your Child’s First School Term

Welcome to Childhealthy’s latest update. Our heartfelt congratulations to all children who have begun the new school year or joined a nursery for the first time- we wish you every success. We understand it can be an exciting but equally stressful time for parents and children too. As the flu season approaches back-to-school illnesses are also on the rise.

So, if you are worried about how your child is getting on at school, or their physical and mental health - whether they have started nursery, moved to a new school, or they are starting their first term - you are not alone. This newsletter is here to offer a helping hand to both parents and children by supporting them throughout their first term.

Please share this newsletter with anyone you think would benefit from our updates. Our aim is to provide peace of mind to families with useful and practical advice. Please also follow and like us on Facebook and Instagram. We appreciate any feedback you may have and use it to improve these updates. Are there any topics or questions you would like this newsletter to cover? Please email info@childhealthy.co.uk and we will aim to include this in the next update.

 

 

Prepare for back-to-school illnesses

We are now entering the flu season and children are returning to school, which means that back-to-school illnesses are on the rise. Common illnesses like colds, coughs, the flu, stomach bugs and conjunctivitis can be easily transmitted throughout schools and playgroups due to children being in close contact, which makes them almost impossible to avoid. Therefore, it’s important to protect yourself and your child from any viruses and bacterial infections. Read the tips below to help everyone in your family stay protected:

 

  • Make sure you wash hands with soap and water regularly or use hand sanitiser
  • Avoid close contact with people who are ill
  • Stay at home when you are not feeling well
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth
  • Cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze
  • Disinfect surfaces
  • Stay up to date on vaccinations, including the flu vaccine

 

Get them used to the new school

Every child is different, and some may find it easier to settle in than others. So getting your child used to school early can have a positive impact on their education moving forward. Below – are some top tips that all parents can follow to help with this:

  • If they have not started their new school yet, arrange a visit before they begin
  • Attend information evenings for new parents 
  • Reach out to the parents and arrange playdates
  • Give your child the opportunity to ask you any questions

All of these top tips aim to alleviate any nerves your child may be experiencing throughout their first term.

 

Dealing with back-to-school anxiety

While going back to school can be exciting for many children, a new school year can cause anxiety and stress in others. Whether they’re worried about leaving their parents, contracting COVID-19, bullying or change, it’s important to take steps to alleviate any anxiety your child may be experiencing. Signs of anxiety can include:

  • Lack of concentration
  • Physical symptoms like nausea, dizziness or stomach aches
  • Refusing to go to school
  • Throwing tantrums or irritability
  • Sadness or crying
  • Lack of energy

To alleviate any fears or feelings of anxiety, here are some tips you can do to help:

  • Be supportive and ask questions
  • Validate any worries your child may have by acknowledging their feelings and listening to their concerns
  • Establish healthy routines
  • Teach your child relaxation techniques and exercises
  • Make sure your child is getting enough sleep and eating healthily
  • Show encouragement 
  • Seek support if needed 

 

Check-in with your child

As touched upon above, it is vital for parents to talk to their children about their feelings towards school. Are they making any new friends? Are they worried about their teachers? Are they participating in any new activities? By addressing these issues early, parents can provide reassurance which will help build a stronger relationship with their child. 

 

Prepare yourself

Life as a parent can be hectic at the best of times, and this can mean you often don’t have time to stop and think about how this will affect you. We spend so much time focusing on our children that we forget to tend to our feelings. If you are nervous, practice meditation and other breathing exercises to calm your mind. Remind yourself that you are not alone; every parent will be sharing these same nervous thoughts and feelings. 

If you are struggling to get your nerves under control, why not arrange to go out for a coffee with other parents? Doing something relaxing and keeping yourself busy is a great way to take your mind off it. Finally, make sure you show an interest in your child’s school experiences and make sure you ask them plenty of questions. 

If your child is struggling with their first school term and are in need of help, don’t hesitate to contact the team at Childhealthy - we’re always here to help.

 

New Childhealthy pages

If you are looking for advice on ear infections or sleep for your child, please visit these pages for more information:

Is An Ear Infection Contagious?: This article discusses whether or not ear infections are contagious, as well as their causes, symptoms, and treatments. Contact us to book an appointment.

Sleep article: Read our latest guide on the importance of safe sleep for babies.

 

Childhealthy updates

With rising cases of flu, COVID-19, and other respiratory viruses, now is the best time to get vaccinated before the flu starts spreading. 

The flu vaccine is available as an injection for children aged 6 months and above. There is also a nasal spray option for ages 2 years and above.

For more information, please visit our vaccinations page or contact us to book an appointment for your child to have the vaccine.

Our physiotherapy sessions are available at home, and regular dietetic assessments, including packages for follow-up sessions are very popular with families so please do contact us if this is something you would like to arrange. 

We are looking forward to announcing two new team members, commencing in the December newsletter - to keep up to date with everything happening at Childhealthy, sign up for our newsletter here

 

How to reach us

Follow us on our social channels for regular updates from the Childhealthy team, and as always please do let us know about any topics you want to see covered via email – info@childhealthy.co.uk. 

We hope you enjoy the rest of your month!

Wishing you all the best, Dr Yiannis and the Childhealthy team