Health and adjustment warnings from experts to parents before the school term
As the new education period approaches, experts remind parents that school preparation should not be limited to stationery shopping, and that children's health and psychology must also be addressed.
Child Health and Diseases Specialist Prof. Dr. Zahide Yalaki made critical warnings to families ahead of the new education and training year. Emphasizing that school preparation does not consist solely of stationery shopping, experts drew attention to the importance of preparing children for the process in physical, developmental, and psychological terms.
Health and vaccination checks
Before the new education term, the child's growth and development, age-appropriate vaccinations, chronic diseases, and health issues that could affect their daily life must definitely be reviewed.
In cases such as frequently recurring infections, prolonged coughing, shortness of breath, and allergic complaints, it is recommended to consult a physician before schools open.
Importance of sleep routine
The sleep routine should not be left to the last night, and sleep and wake-up times should be gradually brought closer to the school schedule a few days in advance.
It should not be forgotten that insufficient sleep can have negative effects on children's attention, learning, mood, and immune system.
Nutrition and hand hygiene
It is of great importance that children start the day with an appropriate breakfast, do not skip meals, and include healthy food options in their lunchboxes.
Attention should be paid to hand hygiene to protect against infections, and it must be ensured that personal belongings such as water bottles, cups, forks, and towels are strictly not shared.
Bag selection and psychological adjustment
Since heavy school bags can negatively affect children's musculoskeletal health, the bag should not be filled more than necessary and should be carried by wearing it on both shoulders.
The start of school is a psychological adjustment process for children; parents should adopt a calm and supportive approach against the anxieties that may be seen, especially in children starting school for the first time or changing schools.