July 30, 2007

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – Transitioning back to school from a care-free summer can be stressful for kids and parents alike. But experts at UAB offer advice that will relieve some of this stress and make the shift easier.

Encourage the Reluctant Reader
Some children don’t enjoy reading. They complain reading is boring, or they simply prefer to do other things, such as watch television. But a child who doesn’t read can fall behind in their reading skills, which can lead to problems in the future, says UAB reading and literacy expert Kathleen Martin, Ph.D. Martin offers parents the following tips for encouraging the reluctant reader: “Find the topics that capture your child’s interest. Then find books on those topics. If a child seems reluctant to read novels, try non-fiction books and magazines. Make sure the books you select are at an appropriate reading level for the child. If a child becomes fascinated with a book that is difficult for them to read unassisted, read it with your child, and be prepared to chime in when the child reaches a word he or she cannot pronounce.” Contact: Gail Short, Media Relations, 205-934-8931 or gshort@uab.edu.

Guarantee Clear Vision
Common eye conditions can affect academic performance, so it is crucial for children to have their eyes checked before they start school, say optometrists at the UAB (University of Alabama at Birmingham) School of Optometry. Katherine Niemann Weise, O.D., M.B.A., F.A.A.O., director of UAB Pediatric Optometry Services advises parents to schedule a thorough eye exam for their child with an optometrist or ophthalmologist before sending him or her back to school. “A thorough eye examination with dilating drops will help arm the child with the best vision possible for active learning,” she said. Contact: Kristen Ruggeri, 205-934-8935 or kmr0901@uab.edu.

Wake Up Well Rested and Alert
During the summer, many parents let their kids stay up at night and wake up later in the morning. The change back to earlier bedtimes has to be gradual and should be started at least two weeks before school begins, says Kristin Avis, Ph.D., assistant professor of pediatric pulmonary medicine at UAB and psychologist at the UAB Sleep Disorder Clinic. “When a child wakes up tired, it affects his or her academic performance, so a good night’s sleep is very important,” she said, “especially since most academic activities take place in the morning at school.” Avis recommends that parents put kids to bed earlier by 15 to 30 minutes every few days to get them used to a new bed time. Contact: Kristen Ruggeri, 205-934-8935 or kmr0901@uab.edu.

Be Smart About Sex and Health
Many people wrongly believe that getting a sexually transmitted disease is only for those who engage in risky behavior. The truth is STDs can and do impact many who feel and act mature and responsible, said Edward Hook, M.D., a professor in UAB’s division of infectious diseases. “STD diagnosis is almost always a surprise,” Hook said. Young people should view vaccination and screening for STDs as another form of prevention, much like exercising and eating healthy to prevent disease. “It’s time for young people to become informed consumers about their health.” Students and parents should ask about HPV vaccination, and ask about testing for Chlamydia. Contact: Troy Goodman, 205-934-8938 or tdgoodman@uab.edu.

Avoid Separation Anxiety
Going away to preschool or kindergarten for the first time can be scary for children. “To prepare them for the experience, talk to your child about the separation emotionally and not intellectually”, says UAB child development expert Jerry Aldridge, Ed.D. “It’s better to say, ‘Dad loves you and will miss you today, but when I pick you up after school I’ll be so happy to see you,’ instead of, ‘If you don’t go to school you won’t learn what the other kids learn.’ Let your child know how much you love her, miss her, and look forward to seeing her later. Also, read good books to children about starting kindergarten. Books like Arthur Goes to School, and Kindergarten Kids, are excellent books to read.” Contact: Gail Short, Media Relations, 205-934-8931 or gshort@uba.edu.