Tips and reminders related to the fall season

Fall is here. The leaves are beginning to change colors, vacations are behind us and our bathing suits are put away with the suntan lotion. We no longer have to worry about swimmer’s ear and sunburn and the children are back in school. So, now we have nothing to worry about, right?

Ah, but fall brings its own worries, and as pediatricians, it’s a good time to remind children and parents of various things.

In early fall, we can have an Indian summer, so children playing sports still have to worry about sunburn. They also have to remember to drink plenty of fluids so as not to dehydrate. It is important to make sure that all sports equipment is in good shape and review the rules of the sport being played. Warming up and stretching before a practice or a game is also a good idea.

Fall is a time of year when there is work to be done around the house. After raking those leaves, don’t leave the rake lying on the ground where somebody can trip, fall or be impaled. If you are doing work on your roof or putting up storm windows, replace ladders in the garage and never leave them standing against the house.

Many children are riding their bicycles to school, so this is a good time to review road safety with children and parents. Children must also be reminded to look both ways before crossing the street and to always wear a helmet. Parents should be sure that bicycles are in good working order.

It’s also important for us to remind children who walk to school that they should never accept a ride from an unauthorized person. To avoid uncertainty regarding who is a stranger, parents should choose a password to be used by anyone other than the parents who may be picking up the child from school or day care. The children should understand that they are never go with anyone who does not give the correct password.

For our adolescent students who will be driving to school for the first time, we must remind them of the rules of the road, the importance of defensive driving and, of course, that seat belts should be worn by all passengers in the car.

Back to school can be a trying time for some. The little ones might experience some separation anxiety at first. Inform parents that giving an extra hug and reassuring the child that they will see you after school should help. Many middle schoolers will be coming home with more homework than they did in grammar school. Advise parents to help them organize their time and work with them on study skills.

High schoolers have their own issues, and some mid-adolescents are starting to “feel their oats.” Their friends become their primary company, and they are all-knowing and believe that parents know nothing. We should remind parents to give their adolescent some space but to remain present and involved in their lives. Parents should always question where their child is going, with whom they are going and tell them when to be home. They won’t admit it — even to themselves — but they need and want limits.

Advise parents/guardians to be supportive and to offer advice, but not to force it. Parents should be parents and not friends.

For senior high school students, this is a very anxiety-producing time of life. The future is so uncertain. Many students this age are wrestling with where they will be going to college, will they make varsity this year, will they have a date for prom? Tell parents not to ask too many questions, but to be available. The family dinner table can present a perfect opportunity for sharing.

Disclosure: Dr. Lander reports no relevant financial disclosures.