School is going to be back in session, and that means exciting opportunities and adventures ahead for your young ones! This year, Kari and Ben anticipate sending their oldest son, Luke, off to kindergarten. While you pack those lunches, lay out school day clothes and prep away, don’t forget to turn off your kitchen sink!
While Kari and Ben *cue the tears* get ready for Luke’s first day of kindergarten, here are a few other tips and tricks to keep in mind when getting ready for the big day, thanks to Healthy Children and KB Plumbing:
- Have questions for your teachers and school? Remember that you don’t need to wait until the first day of class to ask for help! Schools are open to address any concerns a parent or child might have, including the specific needs of a child, over the summer. The best time to get help might be one to two weeks before school starts.
- Point out the positive aspects of starting school to help your kids look forward to the first day of class. Get your child excited about making new friends, help them prep lunches with you and talk about their curriculum that fits the child’s interests and hobbies!
- Get to know your water main! Avoid home catastrophes by keeping tabs on your water pressures. Your water main is the first access point for water going into your home. It’s typically located in the basement near the water heater. On the water main you’ll see a shutoff valve (either a lever or wheel). This valve will completely stop the flow of water into your home when you close it. If taking a last-minute summer vacation before school starts, make sure to turn off your water to help with conservation and costs.
- Pro tip: If it is a new school for your child, attend any available orientations and take an opportunity to tour the school before the first day. Bring your child to school a few days prior to class to play on the playground and get comfortable in the new environment.
- Consider starting your child on their school sleep/wake-up schedule a week or so ahead of time so that time change is not influencing their first couple of days at school.
- As you’re getting ready in the mornings, watch what you flush to avoid clogged drains! Baby wipes and “flushable” wipes are *actually* not flushable.
- Fun fact: When packing for school, organize your child’s backpack to use all its compartments. Pack heavier items closest to the center of the back. The backpack should never weigh more than 10% to 20% of your child’s body weight!
- Eating right to fuel the day: Studies show that children who eat a nutritious breakfast function better. They do better in school and have better concentration and more energy. Some schools provide breakfast for children; if yours does not, make sure they eat a breakfast that contains some protein.
- Treat your garbage disposal with respect: When making breakfast and/or packing lunches, remember to avoid throwing nonperishable items down the drain! Avoid malfunctions and clogging issues by only tossing food particles. No oil, plastics, or whole foods that are bigger than the drain.
