THE EVERETT ADVOCATE – FRiDAy, AugusT 16, 2024 Page 7 Tips to Help Kids Prepare Emotionally and Mentally for the Coming School Year I By Dr. Ana Stankovic t’s that time of year when families are busy checking off those back-to-school lists, including making sure your student has the right pencils, notebooks and backpack. But even more important than school supplies may be making sure your child is feeling emotionally and mentally ready to start the school year. Below are four steps to help reduce stress and help support a healthy start of the school year for students. 1. Create or Re-establish Routines: What time does the family sit down for dinner? When is homework time? What is the limit for screen time? When is “lights out” at night? What time do alarm clocks ring? The answers are important. Sticking to schedules can create consistency at home that may help your child feel more confident, secure and stable. 2. Schedule a Well-Child Visit: Think of a well-child visit as an opportunity to understand your child’s health needs better. Pediatricians can assess your child’s physical & emotional health before school starts, setting them up for success for the rest of the year. It’s also a great time to complete their school’s physical forms and to get current on immunizations. Ask your child’s doctor about what’s driving their physical development, such as diet, exercise and sleeping habits. Not sure what to ask? UnitedHealthcare offers a printable preventive care checklist. 3. Discuss Mental Health: Bringing up mental health can show your child that it’s okay to start those conversations and that they always have a support network they can rely on. If they do talk about being scared or nervous, validate their feelings. Help them feel secure and let them know it’s possible to feel better. These can be sensitive topics for your child, so empathy, openness and patience can go a long way in helping them feel heard and optimistic that they’ll be OK. Focus on your child’s overall disposition – not just what they’re saying – and watch for warning signs of issues, such as persistent sadness, sudden mood changes, or sleep problems. 4. Help Develop Independence at Home: For younger kids entering preschool or kindergarten, encourage your child to dress themselves, use the bathroom without assistance, wash their hands and put on their shoes. Your child should know how to wipe their face after lunch and blow their nose without assistance. They should also be comfortable asking an adult for help when needed. Eastern Bank Building on Rte. 1S 605 Broadway, #301 * Saugus (781) 233-6844 www.bostonnorthdental.com Dr. Priti Amlani Dr. Bhavisha Patel * Restorative Dentistry * Cosmetic Dentistry * Implant Restoration * Zoom Whitening * Teeth in a Day - All on 6 Attendees are shown listening to the speaker during last Tuesday’s presentation. (Courtesy photos) ENERGY GRANTS | FROM PAGE 6 walking them through the process of weatherizing their home/business to reduce their utility bills and increase their structure’s efficiency,” Director of Planning and Development Matt Lattanzi said. The first step is applying to be eligible for an assessment. “We want to try to get as many assessments done as possible,” Sullivan said. Information is available at energysource.com. “They do an assessment to tell you what you need,” Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Cheryl Smith added. “I hope businesses take advantage of what they’re offering.” Sullivan thinks many small businesses in Everett will qualify. The densest business areas are on Broadway, its intersection with Ferry Street and Main Street and Elm Street. “We’ve targeted areas where there are businesses,” Sullivan said of outreach. Franchises are not eligible because they purchase energy collectively. Part of that effort included a multi-language informational forum cosponsored by the Chamber of Commerce and La Comunidad at the latter’s location, 801 Broadway, on Tuesday, August 6. “Small businesses were able to learn about electrification benefits and limited-time incentives,” Sullivan said. Smith reported about 50 people attended. “It was a ENERGY GRANTS | SEE PAGE 14 * Invisalign * CEREC Crowns (Single Visit Crowns) * Root Canal Treatment * Sedation Dentistry ~ Full Mouth Rehabilitation ~ Before After
8 Publizr Home