As with many households across the country, this week sees little ones return to school, or start school for the first time.
This time last year, I was fearful of what the future held, and unsure of how I was going to trust someone else to look after Callum in the same way as we do.
Thankfully, we have found a truly wonderful school that is protective of him, and the staff do all they can to keep him safe and well.
As a result, it’s meant that back to school time has been far less stressful this time round, and to say I’m grateful is an understatement.
That’s not to say that all my fears have gone though. Every day is still a worry, and a what if. And if the telephone rings during school hours and I see it’s the school calling, my tummy does still do a flip until they start the conversation with ‘Morning Mrs Newman nothing to worry about, all is fine, we just wanted to check if we can…..’
Preparation is also a vital part of successful returns, not least because if you forget something crucial medicines wise, you’ll be guaranteed it’ll be the day you need it most. The law of sod and all that….
Knowing how much us parents have to remember in the run up to school starting again, I thought I’d write down my top 10 tips for preparing to go back to school with allergies in the hope that it will help some of you!
My Top 10 Tips for Preparing to go Back to School with Allergies
- Check the date of medicines, particularly epi pens that you will need to keep in school
- Order medicines at least 2 weeks ahead of when you will need them, to account for any holiday time
- Buy a plastic box with a lid and fill with ‘safe’ non-perishable treats so that if any treats are handed out for birthdays in class, there will be a safe alternative to switch with
- Don’t leave labelling of clothes and shoes to the last minute – no one needs that kind of stress at midnight the night before school starts (I’ve not done that, honest!)
- Refresh your little ones’ memory and check they know and recognise what they can’t eat
- Also refresh your little ones’ memory about what symptoms they should tell people about/ ask for help with
- Buy a little note book that you can use as a diary/communicator with your childs teacher – morning drop off can be really busy and more often than not the teacher will struggle to take in much information. Having a notebook means they can read it as soon as things calm, and be alert to anything they should be watching out for!
- Make sure the school office has everything they need – contact details, any consent forms etc to make things easier in case a reaction does happen
- Communicate regularly with the school office – I will go and see them if Callum isn’t having a good start to the day – it means they’re aware of a possible situation and can be ready if anything happens, which they appreciate
- Talk to the school kitchen staff if your little one is having school lunches – again I touch base each week to make sure they’re happy and to sign off the menu each week.
Let me know if I’ve missed anything out, and wishing you all the best of luck for the first week and beyond!
Here’s to reaction free, staying safe terms for all our little ones!