Pencils were sharpened, name tags were fixed, pages were pristine white and clean – we’ve been through that time of the year again where children went back to schools.

Now, that the initial chaos and excitement has sunk in, here is a check list of things you should have done. If not, perhaps it’s time to do it now to keep your children safe, happy and healthy.

1# Immunization

Almost all schools will not admit a child who does not have an immunization record. Visit your family GP at least a month before school starts to ensure there is no allergy reaction to the vaccines. Check with the school nurse on what vaccines are required. The common ones are Hepatitis, Polio and Chicken Pox. If you’ve not done that, do it now without further delay.

2# Eye tests

One in 20 children can’t see out of one of their eyes. Vision testing by your pediatrician is a good way to determine if your child has an eye problem and needs to be referred to a specialist. A child who cannot see clearly cannot perform well at school.

3# Accurate information

Always make sure your child’s emergency telephone numbers list is up to date. The numbers that should be listed include the mother’s, father’s, immediate relative’s and whoever else the parents have designated. It is a good idea to list the child’s physician and dentist.

Give the school nurse all details of the medication your child is taking and make sure any health problems is made known to the school. Also inform the school of any physical restrictions – does your child have asthma, a scoliosis brace or a heart murmur? Will these have an impact on physical activity?

4# Adequate sleep

Adequate sleep is very important. For preschool children the recommended amount of sleep is 16-18 hours a day and from primary school onwards between 10 to 12 hours.

5# Backpack safety

You may have already bought this but a heavy backpack that puts too much pressure on a child’s shoulders is a big no-no as it may hamper proper growth. Instead choose a backpack with padded shoulder straps and a padded back.

Pack light and make sure to spread the weight between the different compartments. Make sure that the heavier items are closest to the center of the back.

6# Address anxiety

Not everyone is excited to start school. While some kids pack their new books a month ahead, others battle anxiety. They are anxious because of a previous bullying incident or because of separation anxiety.

Sometimes, this anxiety can also be due to an undiagnosed mental issue. Consult a pediatrician to rule out whether the anxiety was caused by a physical condition. If there are no physical issues, refer a mental health specialist like a psychiatrist or therapist. Mental wellbeing is as important as physical health.

7# Healthy lunches

Use the summer months to develop a healthy menu for your child. School canteens usually stock unhealthy options like crisps and soft drinks – remember one 12 ounce can of soft drink contains approximate 10 teaspoons of sugar and drinking just one can increases a child’s risk of obesity by 60%.

Create healthy lunches including lots of fruits and low fat dairy products. Also look into your child’s canteen options – if it is not stocked with healthy, talk to the school’s management about adopting clean eating.

These inputs are provided by Dr. Ahed Bisharat, Consultant in General Pediatrics and Head of the Department at Burjeel Hospital in Abu Dhabi.