Back-to-School Medical Exams: Parents, What You Need To Know

This exam is a very important part of good child health for many reasons. It gives the child, parents and physicians the opportunity to adequately evaluate the status, physical and emotional, of the child who is entering a new classroom setting. After being out and about for the summer months your child has been given enough time to break those school time habits and possibly get into a lifestyle not conducive to studying again. The exam time allows for physician and family to discuss this in front of the child.

If your child is an athlete, there are issues to discuss and recognize. An exam that focuses on the orthopedic, neurologic and cardiac systems is very important.

• Family history can be reviewed and if it suggests genetic issues that may impact on a child’s ability to play a sport, testing can be undertaken prior to the sports season in order to clear such a child to play a given sport.
• The issue of cerebral concussion during contact and sometimes non -contact sports can be addressed and the seriousness of this can be stressed to child and parent alike. More and more emphasis has been placed on the significance of such injuries, and rightfully so, as repeated concussions can lead to permanent problems
• Orthopedic issues can be identified that may predispose an athlete student to further and more significant problems. These may result in alterations in training procedures such that emphasis is placed on protecting certain areas of the body.
• There are issues that may prevent a child from playing an impact sport altogether; such as a single organ which is usually found in pairs- kidneys, eyes, testicles, etc. Certainly emphasis would be placed on avoiding injury to the remaining organ and might prohibit playing a certain sport. It is important for the child to hear such things directly from his/her Doctor, rather than be restricted by parents.

The pre-school exam can stress the importance of looking for aberrant behavior in class mates and avoiding such behavior: smoking, drugs, early sexual behavior, risk taking, just to name a few that in the presence of peer pressures might be difficult for a child to “just say no”.

Depending on the age of the child such issues as sexuality and gender issues can be addressed, including natural progression of puberty and beyond.

Immunizations can be reviewed and if not up to date, the proper recommendation can be given and the fears of parents and children about these immunizations can be openly discussed.

It is easy to see how this back-to-school medical exam is as important, if not more so, than obtaining the right papers, pencils, etc. Parents, please keep this in mind as the school year approaches

Back to School Dental Check-Ups

It’s that time of year again! The summer weeks are quickly winding down and school days will soon be upon us. Right now, you’re probably in the midst of helping your child get all of those back-to-school necessities in order. In addition to gathering up school supplies and scheduling physical exams, have you remembered to schedule their back-to-school dental checkup?

Routine dental appointments are imperative to helping your child maintain a healthy smile, both now and in the years to come. Scheduling an appointment for your child right before he or she goes back to school is typically the most ideal time for parents and children alike. This way, you can avoid having to take your child out of school for the appointment, and can check one more item off of your list of things to accomplish before they are back in the classroom again.

It is suggested that your child begins seeing the dentist by the time their first baby teeth start to grow in, and then schedule a regular checkup every 6 months following. This preventative care is key to ensuring your child’s teeth are developing properly and are in healthy condition. Preventative care is also much easier and much less expensive than what it takes to correct any issues that could arise without regular dental care. Some of these issues can include cavities and decay, which can cause pain and a lot of damage if not treated right away. Poor tooth development can also lead to problems down the road, and might mean the need for extensive orthodontic treatment.

During a regular dental checkup, the dental hygienist will clean, polish, and floss your child’s teeth to remove any food particles, bacteria, and plaque build-up. The hygienist will also take x-rays of your child’s teeth to get a closer look at the teeth’s development and to help spot any decay that might not be visible to the naked eye. The dentist will then examine your child’s teeth and study the x-rays to make sure there isn’t anything abnormal. Fluoride is applied at the end of the appointment, which helps protect the teeth from bacteria. Dental sealants, a plastic coating that is brushed on to the chewing surfaces of the molars, can also be applied to your child’s teeth. Sealants are highly recommended as another protective measure against harmful bacteria.

If any issues do come up in your child’s appointment, your dentist will explain the problem and discuss the proper steps to take in regards to your child’s treatment. If there is a cavity, treatment will likely include the need for a filling, or possibly a dental crown if the decay has taken over a larger portion of the tooth. If your dentist notices that your child’s teeth and jaw aren’t quite developing as they should, a visit to the orthodontist might be suggested for further evaluation. Your dentist might also have some orthodontic training and can provide the necessary treatment options for your child.

A back-to-school checkup is essential for your child to have a healthy start to the school year. Don’t forget the importance of at-home dental care, too. Help your child maintain those pearly whites by brushing and flossing each and every day until it’s time for their next checkup. Their health and their smile will be better off because of the care that is given to their teeth today.

Service Dogs in Schools? What Do You Need to Know?

Last updated on May 3rd, 2026 at 02:41 pm

There are many questions and concerns involving the use of Service Dogs by children in schools, but it is becoming a recurring theme in the news of late. So I decided to write a post about it to better educate parents in case this becomes an issue in your school. What are the pros and cons? Do the pros outweigh the cons? Are there risks to your child both physically and educationally by having a dog in the classroom? These are all topics I would like to discuss with you, because I think they are important.

So I think the first step needs to be precisely defining what a Service Dog is, and what their role is for a person with disabilities. And I think it is important to explain that not all disabilities that require a Service Dog are visible.

That being said, in layman’s terms, a Service Dog (or SD) is a dog that has been specifically trained to perform certain TASKS that allow the owner with disabilities the ability to live a full and independent life. What do I mean by ‘tasks”? Let’s break it down into obvious and not-so obvious disabilities (visible –vs- invisible) that allow a person to function and perform what we call ‘daily living skills.’

Obvious Disabilities:

• Someone in a wheelchair may have a dog that pulls the wheelchair for them.
• Someone who has difficulty walking due to certain medical conditions (such as Multiple Sclerosis or Cerebral Palsy) may use their dog to lean on to get them from one place to another. (Also known as a Mobility Support Animal)
• Someone who is blind may have a guide dog.

Not-So-Obvious Disabilities:

• Someone who suffers from seizures may have a seizure alert dog. Under ‘typical’ circumstances, they look just like everyone else and you would never know they have a debilitating disability. But this dog can save their life. The dog cannot stop the seizure from actually happening, but by ‘alerting’ their person (often with a touch or a whine or bark) that a seizure is imminent…. it allows the person time to get themselves into a safe position (ie: lying down or out of the shower or tub) so when the seizure hits, they do not fall from a standing position, causing a possible head injury, or drown in a shower or tub.
• Someone who suffers from diabetes may have a diabetic alert dog. The dog is trained to ‘alert’ their person if their glucose levels becomes very low, or too high. Unlike the seizure alert dog, where the dog cannot physically stop the seizure from happening, by alerting their person that their sugar levels have changed, it enables the person time they would not have had before to check their sugar levels and correct the situation before it can become dangerous.

Put yourself in the shoes of the parent of the children who suffer these disabilities (and many others….. there are just too many to list) and ask yourselves this: if you had a child with some of these issues, how much comfort would it give you to know that they have a constant ‘early detection device’ with them at all times?

I have touched on some of the life-saving ‘pro’s’ of the child having their Service Dog with them. But here are a few other benefits:

• Integration into everyday life: A child with disabilities can easily feel ostracized or different from other people. This may make them shy, insecure, fearful, and at times unable to talk to or connect with their peers that they see as ‘normal’. They are more open to taunting and bullying. I mentioned in a previous post how I was once so painfully insecure, I did not know how to approach or talk to people. What I did not mention was that had it not been for my Golden Retriever Radar, I doubt I would have made it to or through my first Narcotics Anonymous meeting! In my mind, it was just one more group of people that would reject me! But amazingly, walking in with my dog broke the ice. People approached ME and asked me questions, which opened up that line of communication I so desperately needed!
• Independence: If you are anything like me, asking for help is never an easy thing. I like to be self-reliant. So imagine having to constantly ask for help with things, and what a toll that might take on your self-esteem and confidence daily? Now imagine having something that suddenly allows you to do for yourself what you previously always had to ask others to do for you? Can you imagine the sense of freedom that would give you?

I want to share with you here a wonderful short video that can show you first-hand (From the perspective of both a parent and a child) how a service dog can drastically change the life of a child.

So what we have focused on until now are the positives for the parent and child WITH disabilities. So if you are a parent who has a child with disabilities, this post may open new doors for you!! After reading this, you may have never thought of getting a Service Dog for your child, and this may have shed some light on some of the wonderful advantages your child may enjoy by obtaining a Service Dog! If you are interested in learning more about obtaining a service dog for your child, there are numerous organizations that specialize in training Service Dogs specifically for children such as Canines For Kids and 4 Paws for Ability.

But what if you do not have a child that suffers from disabilities, how can having a SD in a classroom affect your child?

First off, it is important to understand that the training that goes into a Service Dog is quite different from the training you would get for an everyday pet. It begins the same way, with basic housebreaking and commands, but after that, it becomes very different. Depending on the type of Service Dog required, some Service Dog training companies such as CCI (Canine Companions for Independence) or the Guide Dog Foundation begin training at eight weeks old or younger. The pups are raised by people or families known as ‘puppy raisers’ where they learn things like the basic commands, leash manners, and are brought into numerous different situations to acclimate them to things like sudden loud noises, (such as cheering at a ball game) flickering lights (such as in a movie theater) constant action (like in a mall or store) or even sudden applause (like at a show.) Then at 18 months, they are brought back to the facility where they came from for extensive training, where they learn specific tasks, like pulling a wheelchair, turning lights on and off, picking things up when they fall on the floor, etc. I will add here that an any given time, the facility may determine that a dog is NOT suitable for this type of work, (they may be a bit too energetic, or may be easily distracted…. all traits that could be very dangerous for the person depending on them!) and their SD training ends there. After about a year of this extensive training, they are finally matched with their eventual owner/handler and for the next six to eight months, the dog/handler team work together at the facility on the challenges the specific owner has that requires the Service Dog’s assistance.

Some Service Dogs, again, depending on the situations the dog is needed for, may be owner taught, or the owner may have hired a professional trainer to make their current dog a Service Dog. Back in 2017, all Service Dogs were required to pass a Service Dog Public Access Test to be recognized as a SD. Although the requirements are a bit less strict these days, many still receive specialized training, similar to that which was previously required. If you are interested in learning more about this test, and the training dogs receive to pass it, you can watch this video on the requirements to pass the test.

So safety-wise, your child should not be at risk having a Service Dog that’s received training by a professional trainer in your child’s school, because the standards for training a Service Dog are quite high!

However, there are some potential risks to your child health-wise. For example, if your child has severe allergies to dogs, this may make it very difficult for your child to be in an enclosed environment (such as a classroom) with one.

And educationally… it may cause some issues for your child as well. Let’s face it….having a dog in a classroom (even an extremely well behaved dog, doing nothing but lying quietly next to the child’s desk) can be a major distraction for the first few weeks or months…. especially for a child who is easily distractible to begin with. (Think about the words to Mary Had A Little Lamb…. “It made the children laugh and play to see a lamb at school.’)

And lastly, we don’t want to forget about the child who is deathly afraid of dogs! Especially since most dogs trained to work with children tend to be on the larger size for stability reasons.

So how can we make this a win-win situation where everyone is happy? By following some simple guidelines right from the start:

If it is your child’s dog:

• Make sure the school is aware that your child will have a Service Dog with them before the term begins.
• The school has quite enough to do ensuring the safety and well-being of every child in their care. It is not their responsibility to walk, clean up after, or take care of the dog. So you must make sure that either your child can fully tend to their own dog (taking them to potty and cleaning up after them, giving them water, etc.) or make sure to arrange for yourself or someone outside of the school staff to take care of them periodically throughout the day.
• Prepare your child for different scenarios that may come up and coach your child on how to handle them. For example, kids will be curious, and do not know how to ‘sensor’ questions the way adults learn to, so your child may be asked, “What’s wrong with you that you need a dog?” Explain that the child may not necessarily be trying to be cruel, but probably just curious. You can also prepare your child on what to do if someone comes up to pet the dog, or asks to pet the dog. (It might help to have a “Working: Do Not Pet” patch on the dog’s vest.)
• Be aware of your child’s rights to have their dog with them in case you come across any difficulty and you need to advocate for your child. Be willing to be flexible and accommodating if another parent has a kid with severe allergies but is stead-fast on their child staying in a specific classroom for whatever reason. Remember, it is not about who is right and who is wrong here; it is about working together for the best outcome for all children involved.

Suggestions for the school:

• Send out notices to the parents regarding the presence of the dog several months prior to the start of the term. You can even ask the parent of the disabled child if they would like to create the first draft: it will save you hours of worry about wording it correctly and help them to protect their child’s privacy…at a minimum they’ll appreciate your making the effort. Also, sending notices early will give you time to identify any potential conflicts (i.e. if a child with severe allergies or a fear of dogs is scheduled to be in the same class). This will give you ample time to move one of the children into a different classroom prior to school beginning, or to allow parents the opportunity to ask any questions they may have.

Note: keep in mind the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) states: “Allergies and fear of dogs are not valid reasons for denying access or refusing service to people using service animals. When a person who is allergic to dog dander and a person who uses a service animal must spend time in the same room or facility, for example, in a school classroom or at a homeless shelter, they both should be accommodated by assigning them, if possible, to different locations within the room or different rooms in the facility.”

• Hold an assembly or at least a classroom meeting at the start of the year to explain to the children a few important guidelines and boundaries regarding the Service Dog. For example, the fact that the dog is not a pet, but that it is working, and the importance of them not petting or distracting the dog from its job. I find it helpful to explain to children that in this case, the dog is really no different than a wheelchair or crutches would be for a child. I have also found that many children are very excited and proud of their dogs, and the things their dog can do for them… so ask the child if they would like to participate and help talk to the children about their dog. This may also avoid a situation like I mentioned above…. Questions being asked out of curiosity that may hurt a child’s feelings.

If you have a non-disabled child that will be in a class with a SD:

• Talk to your child in advance about there being a Service Dog in the classroom to help a child who needs assistance. Ask for their input if they feel this would make it too distracting for them, and really listen to their answers. Remember, the parent of the disabled child is looking out for the best interest of their child by having the dog; you have to look out for the best interest of yours! It is not a matter of not caring about the other child, but remember, you are always your child’s best advocate! And your child has rights too.
• Encourage them to ask you if they have any questions, and if you are not sure of the answer, spend time with them researching the answer online.

In conclusion, I will wrap this up by saying that it is important to remember that every single child matters! Each child has their own set of strengths and weaknesses that make them special and unique. If we all work together, we can create a safe, loving, caring, and happy environment and future for each and every one of them!

Difficult Getting Students to Focus? Try the Flashlight Technique

Last updated on May 3rd, 2026 at 02:42 pm

“How do I teach the flashlight technique” for re-directing attention in a “super easy way”.

As always, we begin with collaboration.

Talk with the child 1:1 in a kind and collaborative manner and tell him that you have been noticing he has difficulty keeping his attention focused on the work in class, ask him if he has noticed as well. Then have the “cognitive conversation” bringing to light an idea that might help.

Tell him that you once had a student named Max who taught you about imaginary flashlights. Max said that when his mind was drifting in class and he would catch himself, he would switch on an imaginary flashlight and point it where he needed to be focusing.

Ask the child if he thinks this might be helpful and talk with him about how you can help with questions and cueing prompts in class. Agree to the prompts, so that he feels helped and supported not humiliated in class. That’s it, super simple. A kind conversation, a social narrative story, and a plan, the two of you develop together, to help him learn how to alert, focus and sustain his attention.

Have The Cognitive Conversation

Teaching a child to use his flashlight is done in three steps:

1. Teaching the child to notice he is off-task.

Q: Where is your flashlight pointing?

2. Helping him alert his brain to salient information.

Q: Where does your flashlight need to point?

3. Pushing the re-engage button.

Prompt: You can use your flashlight to select what you need to focus on right now.

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Written for teachers, educators, and clinicians whose work involves playing, talking or teaching children who would benefit from better executive function and social-emotional learning skills, 70 Play Activities incorporates over 100 research studies into printable worksheets, handouts, and guided scripts with step-by-step directions, to empower children to learn and behave better. “With 70 Play Activities we aim to improve the trajectory of children’s learning by integrating the newest neuroscience with activities children love!” With over 70 activities designed to improve thinking, self-regulation, learning and behavior, your tool-kit will be full and your creative brain will be inspired to craft your own meaningful exercises. 70 Play Activities is available at amazon.com

What NOT to Share: A Back-to-School List for Food Allergic Kids

Last updated on September 27th, 2025 at 12:08 am

How many of you adore hand-me-downs, gently used items or family trades? I admit, I absolutely do. It’s like an untapped resource for unexpected gifts. The anticipation of going though the items to see what will fit and what kinds of items are hiding inside. Many of us love it but few actually own up to it.

But what happens when you have an allergic child who receives these golden goodies? The truth is, there are items that may not be safe to share. Thankfully, with all of the current research and information being passed along, we continue to have better odds at keeping our child’s allergic reactions to a minimum. A simple start is to consider things that you may not have in the past; the back-to-school items that are being distributed as we speak.

Backpacks– Every child needs one but who was the last child to have it? With food allergies, consider what the previous owner housed inside of that bag. After all, snacks and lunches are a daily part of the school day so what’s to say that a previously-owned backpack might not have traces of those foods in them. Bags break, drinks spill and special classroom goody bags tend to open up between the time they were given out and when they actually made it home. If you have a child with food allergies, this might be something that cannot be chanced.

Water Bottles & Thermos– Yes, we all love to get the cute little character thermos or the pink and sparkly princess cup for our children but a sip from these may turn into a drinking disaster. Yes, these items can be washed and even run through the dishwasher but allergens have a sneaky little secret- they like to hide in hard to reach places. These crevices cannot always be made safe enough for your child with food allergies. There has even been reported proof that heat does not always get rid of allergic particles. Instead of getting excited about the brightly colored items, become enthusiastic about keeping your child safe instead.

Lunchboxes- Same scenario, different shape. Don’t get me wrong, as a parent you cannot help but have an overwhelming need to want to give these items to your child, especially if their favorite new show is plastered all over the front of it. But alas, think back to when your child had their last lunchbox; how many days did it come home with food particles and dripping from the day’s accidental overturn?

Calculators- Yes, your eyes did not deceive you- calculators. Simple fact about calculators- they come with many, many tiny areas that foods can be hiding out. This also includes school issued calculators. If you have a choice, purchase your own and label it clearly with your child’s name so there is no confusion about who it belongs to. If budget is an issue, check the flyers for coupons and ask if you can use someone’s business discount card for an office supply store. After all, the price of your child’s life is still worth more than buying an overpriced school item.

Glue Sticks- And by this I mean those leftovers from the end of last school year that somebody started to use but didn’t finish. Why avoid them? Glue is sticky and it’s another way for food particles to get trapped, literally. And if you are a parent who has attended one of those crafty class parties, you have seen how fast the glue sticks travel to and fro. Luckily, glue sticks are one of the cheaper school items that you can find at any dollar store or even included in the lower sale priced items in back-to-school sales.

Band Instruments- This is a personal pet peeve of mine anyway because as much as someone can tell me they have thoroughly cleaned an instrument, they still cannot tell me that it’s the cleanest thing to share. I know it may silently kill your pocket book when you are weighing the cost of a new instrument versus a used one but stop and look at your child- would you chance saving those extra dollars instead of saving their life? It’s always better to be safe than sorry.

Being a parent is always difficult, whether your child has food allergies or not. We all have to spend a lot of time thinking of how we can keep our children protected from anyone and anything. Our hearts go with them each and every day that they leave us. And although we are brought up being told that it’s nice to share, sometimes it’s nicer not too.

Middle School Food Allergy Blues

Last updated on September 7th, 2024 at 06:27 pm

Remember those long, warm summer days when your child would wake up and come running into your bedroom to say good morning? That faint pitter patter, shuffling mixed with the familiar scent that only belongs to your child and nobody else’s? Hours of cuddles, hugs, late breakfasts and kisses- endless, silly kisses. Then, the beginning of Middle School and all of that just STOPS. No more affection in front of their friends or asking your child if they want another hug. Suddenly, your child is their own person and with food allergies, this new found individuality offers a brand new level of anxiety to keep under control as a parent.

Time to Switch Gears

This will begin a new phase to your life as a food allergy parent. No more “helicopter parent” because this may cause your child embarrassment- I mean, who else starts Middle School and has a parent tagging along all of the time? Before opting to be a living extension of your child, first consider how your child will feel about it as well. Think back to when you started Middle School and ask what would have been acceptable for your parent to be a part of during the school year. As difficult as this will be, I promise that Middle School events are far less food-oriented so that in itself will allow both of you a little extra breathing room. After all, this also means a new learning curve for your child and how they will continue to handle their own safety too.

Ask Your Child’s Permission First

I know this may seem like the opposite of what you have done (ever!) but trust me, this one is especially important to both of you. Rather than declaring that you have signed up for every single committee, every function and all things that may include even a stitch of food, sit down with your child first. Find a time that seems to be comfortable for both of you – that can also offer an extra bonus of bonding time as well. Our son seems to be more willing to talk to us when we go to say good night and he’s winding down from his day. It’s one of the few times during the day when he is not rushing, not stressing about a school assignment or talking to his friends. Sit on your child’s bed, begin with another subject and then ease into what they would like to see you be a part of.

Become a Silent Super Parent

There are ways to still be the helicopter parent, but in disguise. Once you and your child have established the new limits, begin to include the teachers. Many teachers are already feeling overwhelmed with the large number of students in their classrooms. When it comes to a child with life-threatening food allergies, they are always looking for extra back-up. Offer to bring in some of the foods for any class festivities as well as extra wipes. I have often joked that I will be the quiet person in the back of the room collecting garbage and silently wiping down all of the desks. It sounds funny but schools are always asking for wipes so why not tackle two things at once? Help a teacher, keep your child safe and go home knowing that the potential for an allergic reaction has been limited.

Transform into the Cool Parent

Sometimes, this even makes you the cool parent without even trying. Many parents work and many children of those parents often wish that their mother or father was going with them to these fun school outings. Never once have I been asked why I chaperone so many trips and so often. What I have had positive experience with very often include my son’s classmates approaching me, saying hello and asking me if I have any of those “awesome goodies that I had like last time”. They don’t ask of they are allergy-friendly and we don’t tell- but my son is always the first to offer to share even though he cannot have whatever his friends are having. It’s like this with adults too- we all want whatever someone else has that’s different. Thus begins leaving the label of allergy parent and becoming the cool parent.

It’s Ok to STILL Worry

Any parent, allergic or not, will always worry about their child regardless of what happens- always. Remember that this is natural and this does not mean that you are over-protective or under skilled as a parent. When it comes to any situation with your child, it’s always better to check and double-check until you know that the situation is as controlled as it can be by you. Just remember that the new found “cool parent” gets better results if this is handled a bit more calmly rather than when you initially became a food allergy parent. (Unsure? Let me reshare how it most likely was then continue to read- just click here.)

Remember- just as you are getting comfortable with this new found parenting and food allergy freedom, High School will begin! 🙂

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