08/28/2026
THE 2026-2027 SCHOOL SESSION IS APPROACHING
1. Start with this:
• Book annual examination and make sure your child’s immunization is up to date.
• Inform the school of any allergies or chronic conditions that your child may suffer from
• Remember to have the school have updated emergency contacts for your child
2. Routine Reset & Physiological Foundations
• Gradually move bedtimes and wake-up times 15 minutes earlier each day to meet the required 9–12 hours for children and 8–10 hours for teens
• Want a better sleep for your child. Try turning off digital screens at least an hour before bed. This helps to promote good sleep.
• Provide a high-protein, low-sugar breakfast to enhance cognitive focus and improve classroom behavior.
• Make sure the backpacks are not too heavy to avoid neck or back strains.
3. Infection Prevention & Hygiene Habits
• Teach children to wash hands with soap and water for 20 seconds, especially after recess, before eating, and after bathroom breaks.
• Train children to sneeze or cough into the crook of their elbow rather than their bare hands.
• Create a habit of washing hands immediately upon arriving home and regularly cleaning reusable lunchboxes and water bottles
4. Mental Health & Social Well-being
• Look out for somatic complaints like frequent headaches, unexplained stomach aches, or behavioral regression, which often signal school-related anxiety.
• Dedicate time for open dialogue where children can voice social or academic fears
• Have a structure where children can be engaged in conversation at family dinner time in order to foster a sense of security.
• 5. Clear "Stay Home" Boundaries
To prevent cross-contamination in schools, the CDC's student illness guidelines outline a clear checklist for when a child must stay home: [1]
• Fever: Must remain home if a temperature is 100.4°F (38°C) or higher, and may only return once fever-free for 24 hours without the use of medication.
• Vomiting/Diarrhea: Must stay home until symptoms have completely resolved overnight and the child can tolerate fluids.
• Respiratory Symptoms: Keep home if experiencing a persistent, hacking cough or worsening respiratory distress. [ Faculty of Health Sciences - McMaster University]
Send a message to learn more
