Consider These Recommendations for Your Child Starting School

Pre-school health check-ups are critical for ensuring children starting school maintain healthy lifestyles, achieve academic success, and allow families to detect illnesses that might otherwise go unnoticed. Uz. Dr. Aslı Mutlugün Alpay from the Department of Pediatric Health and Diseases at Memorial Kayseri Hastanesi offered parents important recommendations for their children's health before the school term begins.

Even dental problems can hinder your child's learning

The most important pre-school health checks are hearing and vision examinations. Children with hearing and vision problems experience learning difficulties. In addition to vision and hearing screening, dental checks should be performed during the period of growth and development. Minor dental issues in children can also make learning and comprehension more difficult. There is a group of diseases that require early diagnosis during childhood. These diseases may go unnoticed by parents. When these diseases are detected in children undergoing pre-school check-ups and treatment is initiated, learning and comprehension delays in school are also prevented.

Vaccination status should be checked

Between ages 4-6, it should be verified that children have completed vaccinations for diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus, polio, measles, rubella, and mumps. Additionally, blood and urine counts should not be neglected. Especially during the school period, attention should be given to ensuring the child has a regular sleep schedule and routine for their physical and mental health. To protect children from infectious diseases, it is essential to instill proper toilet hygiene and correct hand-washing habits.

Expert assistance may be needed

Socialization is a major challenge for children starting school. This situation, in particular, causes parents' anxiety levels to rise and creates worry. For this reason, parents should be careful during this period when their children are taking their first steps into school. Concerns that develop in families extend the child's adaptation process to school. It is not recommended for mothers to wait in the school courtyard while children are at school or to enter the classroom and be with the child at all times. Parents should consult a specialist as soon as they notice their children are reluctant about school.

Healthy nutrition should start at school age

Adequate nutrition is very important for maintaining good health throughout every stage of life. Especially during school age, when children experience accelerated growth and development and learning comes more easily, the importance of nutrition increases even further. Since breakfast is very important for school-age children, families must ensure their children eat breakfast before sending them to school. Additionally, children should be given snacks with foods such as milk or fruit. Families should also advise their children about the selection of foods sold in school canteens. Children should choose their beverages in order of priority. Adequate water consumption throughout the day is very important. Instead of acidic drinks and packaged fruit juices, buttermilk and fresh fruit can be chosen. Furthermore, lunch boxes should be prepared before children leave home, and they should have snacks with walnuts, peanuts, and fruits.