Back-To-School Basics

Make back-to-school shopping easier with supply lists for both home and the classroom.

HAS IT BEEN AWHILE SINCE YOU WERE A STUDENT?
Check out our parent primers, and get a refresher on the topics your child will be studying in school. A reminder of the basics—from American history through writing—will help you follow along when your kid talks about her day, and make it easier to help with any homework struggles.

20 Tips For a Germ-Free School Year A new school year doesn't have to mean new illnesses

TIP #1
Make tissues readily available for runny noses and sneezing.
Instruct children to dispose of used tissues properly in a wastebasket and then wash their hands.
TIP #2
Wash hands before eating, after using the bathroom, and after sneezing or coughing.
Wash thoroughly with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds—the time it takes to sing "Happy Birthday" twice.
TIP #3
Make sure handwashing supplies are easily accessible:
clean towels; liquid soap, somewhat diluted for easy sudsing and rinsing; and nonallergenic hand lotion, to keep skin moisturized so it's less likely to crack and harbor germs.
TIP #4
Carry hand sanitizer to use when soap and water are not available.
Apply a dollop to one palm and then rub over the front and back of his hands and fingers.
TIP #5
Wash toys together periodically.
Place plastic and wooden toys in the kitchen sink or bathtub and have a good time cleaning them off.
TIP #6
Demonstrate simple coughing methods.
Show children how they can cough into their elbows. This keeps germs away from their hands.
TIP #7
Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
Germs are often spread when children touch something that is contaminated with germs and then touch their eyes, nose, or mouth.
TIP #8
Prevent germ sharing.
Although children love to exchange things with friends, germs can pass quickly when cups of juice are shared at lunch and stuffed animals are "mouthed" at naptime. When children set the table, show them how to handle the glasses at the sides and silverware by the handles.
TIP #9
Teach children not to share brushes, combs, or headwear because of the possibility of becoming infested with head lice.
TIP #10
Develop healthy habits.
To maintain a strong immune system that wards off germs, stress to children that they need to exercise, get enough sleep, eat a well-balanced diet, and bathe regularly.
TIP #11
Consider a Vitamin D or multi-vitamin supplement in the fall and winter when colds and flu are going around.
Vitamin D is a great way to strengthen the immune system.
TIP #12
Open up your environment.
Reduce germs by providing well-ventilated rooms. Open doors and windows with screens to provide fresh air.
TIP #13
Disinfect surfaces.
Each day, mix 1/4 cup of bleach and one gallon of water to make a disinfectant solution. Store it in labeled spray bottles out of children's reach. Sanitize changing tables after each diapering. Disinfect tables after snacks and meals.
TIP #14
Keep outfits clean by having children wear smocks over their clothing during messy activities.
Adults' old short-sleeved shirts work well. Vinyl smocks are best for water play or wet art activities.
TIP #15
Make sure nails are clipped weekly.
Try to nix nail-biting by teaching about possible infections to the nail or surrounding skin. Mention that it spreads germs from your fingers to your mouth and inside your body.
TIP #16
Make time for toothbrushing.
While it may bewilder you to think about that fuzzy feeling of unbrushed teeth, some kids hate to do the deed. Be persistent. Talk about gingivitis, cavities, and bad breath (often the most convincing evil of all).
TIP #17
Make sure children stay home from school, sports practice, and parties if you feel they are sick or have a fever.
TIP #18
Wash their lunch box daily. Lunch boxes carry more than veggies and fruit to and from school.
They also carry a lot of germs. If they're dishwasher safe, run them through the sanitizing cycle at the end of each day. If not, spray them down with vinegar and water and wipe them clean before packing a new lunch.
TIP #19
Backpacks are another huge germ culprit.
They make their way onto tables, beds and desks and can transfer nasty germs to all of these surfaces. Wash backpacks once a week to minimize the spread of germs.
TIP #20
Take shoes off at the door when you get home.
This is a great tip all year round. It helps keep germs, allergens and dirt out of the house making it easier to keep clean.

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PREPARING FOR THE NEW SCHOOL YEAR

TIPS FOR SUCCESS

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