Common Forgotten Back to School Preparation Items + Giveaway!

My boys had their first day of school yesterday. It was full of excitement and nerves – they were excited to see all of their friends again but nervous for the changes and the new expectations. We had a lot of must do items on our back to school list that we are still working on that extends well beyond shopping for school supplies, new clothes and shoes.

So, what are the most two important items that you should include on your back to school preparation list besides the obvious?

Book important medical and dental visits.

It is so important to book an appointment with your family doctor for a general check-up for your child. As they get older and are healthier, we tend to visit the doctor less frequently. Use back to school time as a chance to re-connect with your family doctor, make sure they are meeting developmental milestones as well as being up to date with vaccines. You should also book an appointment to have their eyes checked. This is a service that is covered by OHIP and if they are struggling seeing the boards in class, this could cause other health and behavioural problems.

One of the most overlooked visits is to the dentist. Good dental hygiene is so important for your child as they learn to develop good habits now for later on in life. Unfortunately, some children can develop a fear of the dentist early on which can stop them from visiting the dentist and could cause complications like cavities and plague build up. Ensuring you take them for their regular dental checkups will help to feel comfortable at the dentist’s office. Just like a visit to the doctor’s office, you want it to be fun and enjoyable for everyone involved. Choose a dentist and hygienist that your child feels comfortable with. Our boys have long and hilarious conversations with ours – from talks about soccer, school all the way to their friends and what they like to eat.

Help your child return to their school routine at least a week in advance.

Trust me, the earlier you start the routine, the better it will be for you in the long run. During the summer we tend to relax on our rules, spend more time outside and stay up later. This is harder to do once school starts up again and your child needs all of the sleep that they can get.

Start getting them into the habit of waking up at a set time, making their bed and brushing their teeth in the morning. The same goes for bedtime – set a realistic bed time that will be the same during the school year and follow your routine of bath, brushing your teeth and reading a good book.

Children can easily become bored with routines, so keep it fun! Allow them to choose their own toothbrushes – from beloved characters like Spiderman to My Little Pony, from Arm & Hammer™ Spinbrush™ and Orajel™ will make brushing more enjoyable!. I have always loved the battery-operated brushes, it helps to ensure that each tooth is properly cleaned even when your child is not in the mood to brush properly. While they are brushing, play music or dance – get silly! All kids love being silly, no matter what their age.

As we return back to school, the most important thing that you as a parent can do for your child is keep an open line of communication. This is a stressful time for everyone, when your child knows that they can confide in you about their emotions and fears they will be more confident.

Are you ready to help your child get back into the dental swing of things with a prize pack from Arm & Hammer™ and Orajel™?

My Canadian readers can enter now to win a Dental Prize pack including three Arm & Hammer™ Kids Spinbrush™ Battery Brush and Orajel™ Anticavity Fluoride Toothpaste . Enter via the rafflecopter form below – good luck!

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What is the most important back to school preparation item that you do in your house?

Disclosure: I received Arm & Hammer dental products. All opinions expressed are my own.