Most parents and caregivers have questions about parenting and what to expect when their children start school. There are many people in the school who can help. Speak with the teachers, principals, guidance counsellors, social workers and public health nurses. For newcomers to Canada, there are settlement workers in certain schools to provide additional help.
It is important for children to be active for at least 60 minutes every day. Running, jumping, throwing, catching and kicking help children learn motor skills and become physically stronger.
Regular physical activity strengthens bones, builds muscle, works the heart and contributes to a healthy body weight and lifestyle. Physical activity also helps children to express themselves, to learn social skills, deal with stress, and do better in school. Research shows that physical activity is important for healthy brain development.
Reduce the “non-active” time children spend on computers, electronic games, or watching TV to less than 2 hours a day. Encourage everyone in the family to be active.
Children are curious about bodies. Answering their questions throughout their lives will allow you to keep the lines of communication open as well as share your cultural and family values. Parents are encouraged to think about replacing “the big talk” about the changes of puberty with ongoing and open age-appropriate conversations:
Motor vehicle collisions are a leading cause of injury related deaths for children in Canada. Using a booster seat helps to protect children from serious injury 3½ times better than seat belts alone. A booster seat is mandatory for children if they meet any of the following criteria:
Here are a few things you should know when using a booster seat:
Our hands often carry and spread germs. Washing our hands is the best way to prevent many illnesses and diseases such as cold and flu.
Be a good role model and make sure everyone washes their hands for at least 15 seconds with soap and water:
There is no safe level of exposure to second-hand smoke. It is hazardous for everyone, especially children because their lungs are small and growing. Second-hand smoke can lead to asthma, allergies, ear infections and cancer.
The law in Ontario bans smoking and vaping in cars or other motor vehicles if anyone inside is age 15 years or younger.
Smoking and vaping are not permitted on school grounds (including playgrounds and sports fields), community recreational facilities, children’s playgrounds, publicly owned sports areas and public areas within 20 metres of these places.
It is also important to make your home smoke-free. Here are some tips to help:
The hot summer sun can be dangerous for children.To reduce the risk of skin cancer and to prevent sunstroke or heat exhaustion in the summer:
The cold winter weather and the snow and ice can be unsafe for children. Follow these tips to keep your child warm and healthy during cold weather:
Head lice are tiny insects that can live and breed on your child’s head. They are greyish-brown in colour and their eggs are white. The oval-shaped eggs (nits) stick firmly to hair near the scalp, unlike dandruff which can be blown off.
Having head lice is very common. To help prevent your child from getting head lice you can:
You cannot prevent head lice by using head lice shampoos or products. Use them only if your child has head lice. Be sure to read the directions carefully; using the treatments incorrectly or too often can be harmful.
Children need nutritious food to give them energy so they can learn better in school:
Healthy teeth are important for learning, making friends, and a healthy body.
Vaccines protect children from serious diseases. Ontario’s Immunization of School Pupils Act (ISPA) requires all school-age children to be vaccinated against nine designated diseases or provide a valid exemption. All the vaccines needed for school are free.
Report your child’s vaccinations to Toronto Public Health.There is also a free CANImmunize app that allows you to securely vaccinate records in one place.
Just like adults, children can feel anxious or stressed about new situations, meeting new people or having too many things to worry about.
Stress in your child may show up in many ways, including:
You can help your child if they feel stressed by:
Being a parent is one of the most rewarding jobs you will ever do but it can also be difficult at times. EarlyON Child and Family Centres offer parenting support to all families with children from birth to 6 years old. EarlyON Centres are located in schools and the community. Free parenting services and resources are available including drop-in programs and child health workshops. Visiting an EarlyON Child and Family Centre is a great way to meet other parents, get information, and play with your child. Sharing your concerns and experiences with other parents lets you know you are not alone.
The human skull is just one centimetre thick and wearing a correct, properly fitted helmet helps protect your brain by absorbing the force from a crash or a fall. Helmets reduce the risk of serious injury.
Different sports need different helmets (e.g. biking, skateboarding, in-line skating). For in-line skates, skateboards and scooters, children should use additional protective gear such as wrist guards, elbow and knee pads.
Use the 2-V-1 Rule to properly fit your helmet:
Children who walk to and from school are more ready to learn, feel happier, and have lower levels of stress. Teach children about pedestrian safety with these tips:
Injuries on the playground happen most frequently to children 5 to 9 years of age. Here are some things you can do to help your child have fun without getting hurt:
Children need sleep to keep them healthy, happy and doing their best. Children ages 5 to 13 years old require 9 –11 hours of sleep each night.
Speech and language skills are very important for your child’s success in school. Your child’s hearing impacts their speech and language development. It is important that your child’s hearing is checked regularly by an Audiologist as they grow. For questions on hearing health, contact your paediatrician or primary care provider.
By age four, a child should be able to:
Inform your school if you have any concerns about your child’s speech or language.
One of the most important things you can do to help your child get ready for school is to read together every day. Point out letters and words on the page and talk about the pictures. Library story time also provides wonderful opportunities to share stories, rhymes and books with your child.
The ability to see clearly is very important to your child’s learning and success in school. It allows your child to participate fully in school work. It is important to have an eye exam before starting school.
Junior Kindergarten students can get an OHIP covered eye exam and a free pair of eye glasses through the Eye See… Eye Learn program. OHIP covers an eye exam by an optometrist every year for children age 19 and under.