Focus on a Safe, Healthy & Happy School Year

Please [click here]( if you have problems viewing this message. Find Us [Facebook]( [Twitter]( [Instagram]( [Pinterest]( [HealthyChildren.org]( The only site and newsletter backed by 67,000 AAP pediatricians! [Prenatal]( [Baby]( [Toddler]( [Preschool]( [Gradeschool]( [Teen]( [Young Adult]( Tips for a Safe, Healthy & Happy School Year August 2023 | Issue 236 [parent breastfeeding baby]( [Walking & Biking to School: How to Keep Your Child Safe]( Walking and bike riding are healthy ways to get to and from school. Skipping the school drop-off traffic for more active commutes can contribute to the recommended 60 minutes of [physical activity]( kids need each day. Plus, trips powered by feet, rather than gas-fueled vehicles, also can reduce [air pollution]( and help the [climate](. [Read this]( by pediatrician Phyllis Agran, MD, FAAP for ways to keep your child safe as they walk or bike to school. It includes a story shared by Maria Frias, who joined with other parents to advocate for child pedestrian safety after seeing her son nearly hit by a car on his way to school. Also see: - [AAP Calls for Walkable Communities]( - [How to Get Your Child to Wear a Bicycle Helmet]( [parental guidance media ratings]( [5 Ways to Have a Healthy School Year]( With kids heading back to school, [here are the top five ways]( you can help them stay healthy, be happy and thrive in class. If your child has special health needs, be sure to [read these helpful tips]( too! [PowerPlay_200_2098436.jpg]( Playful Reading Like all the best [kinds of play]( reading with your child exercises their [imagination]( curiosity and sense of adventure. It also strengthens parent-child bonds and [communication]( skills. One way to make reading even more fun: After reading a story, encourage your child to act out scenes using their imagination or props. Or, pair the story with a related craft or activity to engage in a hands-on way. If the book features animals, for example, create paper plate masks or finger puppets. If the book mentions food, try [cooking]( a recipe related to the story. Find more tips in this month's Power of Play article, [Playful Reading: 4 Ways to Engage Your Child in the Magical World of Books](. Find free back-to-school printable play sheets [here](. Also on HealthyChildren.org: [IEPs and 504 Plans: A Guide for Parents to Get the Help Their Child Needs]( [Dealing With Problems at School: How to Talk With Your Child's Teacher]( [Healthy Self-Care for Teens: 4 Ways Families Can Help]( [Back-to-School Checklist]( [School Safety During an Emergency or Crisis]( [Health Problems at School: How School Nurses Can Help]( [Backpack Safety]( [Help Your Child Manage Anxiety: Tips for Home & School]( [Placeholder]( Thank You to Our Sponsors: [211125_SANOFI_LOGO_RGB_200_2137356.png]( [melissa2_2006054.jpg]( [melissa2_2006054.jpg]( [AAP]( The AAP is the world's largest publisher of pediatric content. [HealthyChildren.org]( is the digital extension of the AAP mission to provide the most trustworthy health content to parents and caregivers at home, on the go, and from anywhere in the world. The information contained on this newsletter and on [HealthyChildren.org]( should not be used as a substitute for the medical care and advice of your pediatrician. There may be variations in treatment that your pediatrician may recommend based on individual facts and circumstances. © Copyright 2023 American Academy of Pediatrics. All rights reserved. American Academy of Pediatrics | 345 Park Blvd. | Itasca, IL 60143, USA [Log Into Your Account]( | [Contact Us]( | [About Us]( | [Privacy Policy]( | [Terms of Use]( | [Editorial Policy]( [Unsubscribe]( American Academy of Pediatrics, 345 Park Boulevard, Itasca, IL 60143