Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital has recommended some great tips to make sure your child is ready to start the school year of the right foot.

Backpack Safety
· Choose a backpack with wide, padded shoulder straps and a padded back.
· Pack light. Organize the backpack to use all of its compartments. Pack heavier items closest to the center of the back. The backpack should never weigh more than 10-20% the student’s body weight.
· Always use both shoulder straps. Slinging a backpack over one shoulder can strain muscles.
· Consider a rolling backpack. This type of backpack may be a good choice for students who must tote a heavy load. Remember that rolling backpacks still must be carried up stairs, and they may be difficult to roll in snow.

Traveling To and From School
School Bus
· If your child’s school bus has lap or shoulder seat belts, make sure your child uses one at all times when on the bus.
· Wait for the bus to stop before approaching it from the curb.
· Do not move around on the bus.
· Check to see that no other traffic is coming before crossing.
· Make sure to always remain in clear view of the bus driver.

 
Car
· All passengers should wear a seat belt or size appropriate car safety seat or booster seat.
· Your child should ride in a car safety seat with a harness as long as possible and then ride in a belt-positioning booster seat. Your child is ready for a booster seat when she has reached the top weight or height allowed for her seat, her shoulders are above the top harness slots, or her ears have reached the top of the seat.
· All children under 13 years of age should ride in the rear seat of vehicles. If you must drive more children than can fit in the rear seat, move the front-seat passenger’s seat as far back as possible and have the child ride in a booster seat if the seat belts do not fit properly without it.
Bike
· Always wear a bicycle helmet, no matter how short or long the ride.
· Ride on the right side of the road, the same direction as auto traffic.
· Use appropriate hand signals.
· Respect traffic lights and stop signs.
· Wear bright color clothing to increase visibility.
Walking to School
· Make sure your child’s walk to a school is a safe route with well-trained adult crossing guards at every intersection.
· Be realistic about your child’s pedestrian skills. Because small children are impulsive and less cautious around traffic, carefully consider whether or not your child is ready to walk to school without adult supervision.
· Bright colored clothing will make your child more visible to drivers.

Developing Good Homework and Study Habits
· Create an environment that is conducive to doing homework. Youngsters need a permanent workspace in their bedroom or another part of the home that offers privacy.
· Set aside ample time for homework.
· Establish a household rule that the TV set stays off during homework time.
· Be available to answer questions and offer assistance, but never do a child’s homework for her.
· Take steps to help alleviate eye fatigue, neck fatigue and brain fatigue while studying. It may be helpful to close the books for a few minutes, stretch, and take a break periodically when it will not be too disruptive.
· If your child is struggling with a particular subject, and you aren’t able to help her yourself, a tutor can be a good solution. Talk it over with your child’s teacher first.