Back to School: Bitter sweet for many of us

In my household there are all kinds of emotions around back to school. The kids are both bummed to end a jam packed fun filled summer and excited to get back to visiting with classmates and eager to see what this year will bring. For my wife and me, we are part bummed to let go of the spontaneity of our summer schedule and part excited to get back to an organized routine.   

It is hard to accept that I have a teenager daughter going into high school this year. With that comes all kind of stresses for both her and for my wife and me. Luckily, as a chiropractor, I facilitate helping people to dissipate stress daily. The three types of stresses that manifest physically for my patients are physical, mental/emotional, and chemical stresses.

Children going back to school experience all kinds of physical stresses. Sitting in a seat all day, heavy back packs, strain on the eyes, wrists and hands.

Here are a few things you should consider for the school year:

1. Make sure to look into ergonomic back packs. This can reduce the overall stress on their spine by 80% and lighten the load by 30%.
2. Pencil Grips promote an ergonomically-sound writing position by holding the fingers in a relaxed position by supporting the first knuckle of the thumb and index finger. In addition, it encourages full hand and arm action, preventing fatigue and pain associated with writing.   

My experience is that most of us to dismiss the emotional stresses that children face going back to school. Will I have friends in class? Will I be accepted by my peers? Will I get along with my new teacher? Are kids going to make fun of my new haircut? Also kids often deal with the anxiety of leaving the routine of having their parents around. Make sure to communicate with your child about these types of stresses before they happen. Just mentioning that these are normal feelings and that they are not alone in thinking about them can diffuse anxiety.

Chemical stresses can be minimized by:

1. Packing your children’s’ lunch with them. More often than not, school lunches do not provide the healthiest options.   As always it is best to pack your children non processed food. 
2. Stay away from sugary fruit drinks. These can provide a false sense of energy and then children often crash afterward. 
3. Make sure that your child understands the importance of hydration and pack a water bottle with them.

Finally, bring your child in for a chiropractic checkup.  

Children just like us adults have stress in their lives. If they have never been checked or it has been a while chances are that they have subluxation or misalignment of their spine. Chiropractors are the only health professionals uniquely trained to detect and correct these misalignments. 

Children often do not know how to communicate if they are suffering or may not even have perceived symptoms. Either way, making sure the spine is aligned is a great way to make sure your children will grow and develop optimally. 

Call the office to schedule your child for a checkup. We can help to make back to school less stressful and to ensure your child thrives!

How do you prep for back to school? Let me know in the comments!