Because we recognize the importance of schoolwork for our patients, Cook Children’s partners with Fort Worth Independent School District to provide school services to eligible patients while in the hospital setting. Our teachers work specifically with children and teens who have a chronic or complex diagnosis, are experiencing an extended hospitalization, or have sustained a life-threatening injury.

Whether they’re attending a session at the bedside or in the patient classroom on the first floor of the Fort Worth medical center, students receive one-on-one services to help them keep up with their schoolwork.

Get to know each of our incredible teachers, Marissa Glasschroeder, Laura Ralston and Nicole Rogers, by watching the videos below.

When it comes to life-threatening food allergies at school, teachers make all the difference. 

“It is about prevention,” said Ankita Singh, D.O., pediatrician at Cook Children’s Pediatrics Walsh Ranch. “Teachers need to be involved from the beginning and incorporate the food-related safety precautions just like it is part of the normal school day.”

As a mom of two kids with life-threatening food allergies, I know that the school experience largely depends on the understanding and empathy of those involved. Kindness goes a long way.

One in 13 children has severe food allergies (about two per classroom), and 75% of these cases occur in children with no prior family diagnosis. Chances are most children will know someone with food allergies and could save a life.

A food allergy reaction can cause symptoms that range from mild to life-threatening. In the United States, food allergy is the leading cause of anaphylaxis outside the hospital setting. Anaphylaxis is a serious, life-threatening allergic reaction that typically affects more than one part of the body at the same time and may include hives, wheezing, high heart rate, rapid swelling and trouble breathing. People who have previously experienced only mild symptoms may suddenly experience a life-threatening reaction.

Clear Communication is Key

Parents need to be very clear from the beginning with everyone at the school – teachers, nurses, administrators and other parents. They should discuss the food allergy action plan with the school nurse, informing them what foods the child should avoid and what to do in case the food was eaten, or they have been in contact with it.

“For lunches and birthday parties in the child’s classroom, the school should tell the parents not to include the allergens to avoid cross-contamination and the risk of severe allergic reactions,” Dr. Singh said. “Make sure the child is aware of what to do if there is exposure at school. Run through the scenario at home so all aspects are covered the best you can without being there.”

The nurse should also receive two epinephrine autoinjectors – the first-line treatment for anaphylaxis which works to reverse the life-threatening symptoms. A delay in using epinephrine is common in severe food allergic reaction deaths.

“Parents need to be vigilant about checking the epinephrine autoinjectors for expiration dates as well as dosage,” Dr. Singh said. “There are different doses for weight and age as children get older.”

If epinephrine is used, the child must be monitored at the emergency department as they could still have a rebound reaction.

Empowering Kids to be Kind

About one-third of children with food allergies report being bullied because of their allergies. The reported bullying ranges from verbal teasing or criticism to more obvious acts such as an allergen being waved in their face or intentionally putting it in their food. Therefore teachers leading by example can show what it means to put others before yourself. This can change the trajectory for children with food allergies.

“The best way to go about it is education such as a doctor talking to the students about food allergies or a fun presentation led by the teacher empowering the children to protect their classmates with the allergies,” Dr. Singh said. “If kids understand why food allergies happen, it can decrease bullying.”

Tips from Food Allergy Research & Education to prevent food allergy bullying:

• Encourage open communication – be sure children understand what bullying is and what to do if they are bullied. Emphasize reporting bullying to a trusted adult.
• Teach children the skills they need to stand up to bullies – saying “stop” or “leave me alone” with confidence, using humor and walking away.
• Recognize the signs of bullying – these can include torn clothing or damaged books, unexplained reactions or injuries, avoiding school, physical complaints, consistent nightmares, lower grades and loss of interest in school, social isolation and behavior changes.
• If your child is being bullied, be calm and assure him that you’re going to help – don’t encourage retaliation or confront the bully yourself. Talk to the appropriate personnel at your child’s school.
• Encourage teachers, administrators, the school nurse or counselors to offer educational programs about food allergies and bullying
• Set up a buddy system – encourage children who are bullied to stay with a group of trusted friends in high-risk situations, such as at the lunchroom or while walking home from school.

Food allergy parents have a lot to handle and may seem overprotective at times. But if they get it wrong, they don’t get to hit the reset button.

It’s a common question to ask your pediatrician. "What is the daily calorie need of your infant or child?"

Here’s a chart that covers the normal daily calorie need to sustain healthy growth. Average weight and lengths are listed for reference for infants. Base the calorie needs of your growing infant more off of their weight and height, rather than their age, until age 2. Also listed is the approximate number of ounces of breastmilk or formula your infant should consume to obtain the daily necessary calories (for a solely breastfed or formula fed infant, it does not take into account the calories from pureed baby foods).

These daily calorie counts are a general guideline, but other factors such as chronic medical conditions, medications, and extreme physical activity can change what your child actually requires in a day. If you are concerned your child is not eating enough, or is eating too many calories in a day, schedule an appointment with your pediatrician.

For parents who have a child starting school in person, it’s normal to have some anxiety about the entire process, staying informed and connected may reduce these feelings and can give you a way to express concerns that you have regarding practices at your child’s school.

Consider the following if your child is set to start in-person learning and or will eventually be transitioning from virtual at-home learning to in-person learning:

Get organized and stay informed: Make sure you are aware of the safety guidelines that your school will be taking when students are back in the classroom.

Will face coverings be required for ALL children? If so ensure you have taken the last few weeks of summer to have child practice wearing their face covering or mask and encourage minimizing touching the face while putting the mask on or taking it off. Other things to consider regarding masks/face coverings:

• Ensure the mask/face covering you choose fits snugly yet comfortably against the face, covers the nose and mouth completely, and if its design is “re-usable” ensure the material allows washing and drying without damage to shape or build of the mask.
• Once you have found the type/style of mask your child is comfortable in ensure you have several available as backups.
• Tips on practice for wearing a mask (gathered from several different expert pediatricians)
• Have the child wear the mask/face covering during times likes watching a movie or playing a game. Allow them to take breaks but also praise them when they have successfully worn the mask or covering for a significant amount of time.
• For younger children needing help with wearing a mask use a favorite stuffed animal to demonstrate proper mask wearing, or find pictures of children or their favorite cartoons wearing masks.
• Modeling is very important. As a family model wearing masks/face coverings, children learn by example and this is one of the best ways to teach a child the importance of wearing a mask.
• Get in the habit of checking in with your child each morning for signs of illness. If there is ANY concern at all take the child’s temperature (if the child has a temperature of 100.4F or higher even without any other symptoms the child should NOT go to school).
• Thereafter monitor for any other symptoms: ensure your child does NOT have sore throat, cough, diarrhea/vomiting, headache or body aches.

Even if symptoms seem mild they should be recognized and taken into account in order to avoid potential spread of any infectious illness. This will remain important as the cooler weather and fall season are typical for other respiratory illnesses to arise such as influenza.

• If your child is sick and develops symptoms of COVID make sure you are aware of where you child can be tested. Also make sure you know who the school’s point of contact is for reporting illness. Find out what options for instruction/learning will be available for the child if quarantine is required. Make sure you are familiar with the school’s plan of communicating with families when a positive case or exposure to COVID-19 have occurred.
• Ensure your child is up to date on ALL recommended vaccines including the flu vaccine when it becomes available this year. We do not know how these two respiratory illness will affect severity of illness if a child or adult is co-infected.
• Review and practice proper hand washing techniques with your child at home and ensure they are aware of the options available at school for hand hygiene.
• Adjust daily before and after school routines to include the following if you had not been doing them already: remember to pack hand sanitizer and extra face coverings/masks. Have children change out of school clothes into clean set of clothes and wash hands as soon as they return home.
• Make sure the school has up to date contact information including emergency contacts as well as individuals authorized to pick up your child. If the list includes anyone who is considered high risk for developing severe illness for COVID-19 consider choosing an alternate person.
• Plan for potential school closures or quarantine periods. Consider if you will be able to take time off work should the child require quarantine at home. If the parent is unable to work from home or take time off work it is important to identify an adult who would be able to supervise the child during this time.

Stay alert: We know these times of significant change and decreased social interactions can contribute to stress and anxiety in children as well as adults.

Talk to your child about what to expect regarding how school will look different from before. For example desks may be set far apart for distancing purposes, teachers and staff will likely be using masks/face coverings and in some instances eye protection or googles, lunch time may occur at staggered times in smaller groups. Sports and other outside activities may involve different precautions than before. Be alert to changes in your child’s behavior that may indicate they are struggling with stress, anxiety or depression.

These include excessive crying or irritation, excessive worry or sadness, change in eating habits or sleep habits or difficulties concentrating among other changes in their typical behavior.

Remember there has already been a lot of stress with handling the many unknowns and issues the COVID pandemic has brought, it is important for children and adults to take breaks when necessary, get plenty of sleep, exercise and eat well and stay socially connected during this time.

Related Content:

• Returning to School During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Virtual Learning
• Regreso a la escuela durante la pandemia de COVID: Planificación para el aprendizaje en persona
• Regreso a la escuela durante la pandemia de COVID-19: Planificación para el aprendizaje virtual

As the fall semester approaches we know how hard it has been for parents and families to decide the mode of learning for their children. Some school districts have opted for a hybrid model in which the school year will start with ALL students in the remote/virtual setting gradually transitioning and providing opportunities in-person instruction.

Whichever decision or situation you choose for your student, the start of this school year will be like no other. I thought I would review a few recommendations the CDC (Center for Disease Control) has made that will help you and your family get ready for the start of the new school year.

 For those in virtual at-home instruction:

• Talk to your child about how school is going (even if they are home and involved in virtual learning), ask them about their day and about how they are feeling regarding this form of learning. It’s normal for children who are extroverts to struggle with the lack of in-person interaction while natural introverts may be more comfortable in this setting. Regardless of the situation it’s important to find out how they feel and work through the things they are struggling with.
• If you do identify behavior changes which worry you that your child may be experiencing difficulties reach out to your pediatrician to discuss these. Also find out if school has set up a plan to provide counseling or other support services during periods of virtual learning.
• Be a role model: Practice self-care. If your job or other responsibilities have you worried about how you will handle supporting your child’s learning during virtual at-home learning time seek out resources to help you find that balance (there are webinars out there currently covering this very topic).
• Consider the following to get prepared for Virtual or At-home learning:
• Get organized: Make sure you are aware of any registration deadlines, including submitting preference forms that your school districts may need. These forms will help how staff will need to prepare for when they will be offering in-person learning as well as ongoing virtual learning options.
• Review your families schedule and identify times for learning or instruction if your school has not provided a schedule for the student. Also don’t forget to schedule “recess” times in which the child can spend doing activities outside. Make sure to include breaks, waking/bedtimes, and unstructured “free time.”
• Attempt to schedule family oriented physical activity as your schedule allows (such as walks in the evening, water activities outside)
• A family calendar if you don’t use one yet may help keep everyone organized especially if you are keeping track of multiple assignments and deadlines for more than one child.
• Find a space in your home that is free of distractions and noise and designate this area as the area for learning. Avoid choosing rooms or areas that have easy access to toys or distractions such as TVs. Make sure the area is well lit and has access to electrical outlets for access to charging devices if necessary.
• Identify activities that will allow your child to remain socially engaged with peers or family virtually and if in person ensure you know the proper precautions that should still be taken.
• Stay informed: The information coming from school districts is immense. Make sure you are reading any communications that your school is putting out. Consider attending any virtual meetings which are discussing the preparations the school has made for the start of school year. Keep up with the constant changes that occur as new guidelines are made for school districts to consider.

Consider the following and ask questions regarding the following to ensure you are well prepared:

• Will your student be expected to be logged in at certain times of the day for live video instruction? Will the access to recorded lessons?
• How will attendance be taken each day?
• Will the school offer any sort of physical activity opportunities? If not remember it’s important to come up with your own to include in your kid’s daily routine.
• If your student participates in the school’s meal program, does your school plan to make meals available while students are learning online, if so how will you be able to access these?
• If your child has an IEP (Individual Education Program) or 504 Plan or receives other support services (PT,OT, Speech) from your school, how will your school provide these during the virtual at-home learning period?
• If you anticipate any technological barriers (we all experience these at some point), does your school offer support such as allowing students to borrow a laptop? Will they help with internet connectivity if this is an issue? Make sure you know how to access the school’s IT department for questions or issues.

Remember there has already been a lot of stress with handling the many unknowns and issues the COVID pandemic has brought, it is important for children and adults to take breaks when necessary, get plenty of sleep, exercise and eat well and stay socially connected during this time.

Related Content:

• Returning to School During the COVID-19 Pandemic: In-person learning
• Regreso a la escuela durante la pandemia de COVID: Planificación para el aprendizaje en persona
• Regreso a la escuela durante la pandemia de COVID-19: Planificación para el aprendizaje virtual

Did you know that schools consider French fries and ketchup as vegetable servings in their cafeteria served lunches?! In just a few minutes in the evenings, you can prepare a more nutritious lunch for your kiddos.

You can prepare these meals even if you’re not sending your child off to school yet. Go ahead and get in the routine of lunch prep at night, and they can eat their “school lunch” during the noon break from virtual school. In fact, prepping lunch and snacks will limit the constant grazing we might have gotten into the bad habit of over the lockdown and summer.

 Here are my healthy takes on kid-friendly favorites.

Kids Meal Prep Ideas for school lunches:

1.“Pizza Lunchables”: 1 or 2 Wheat English muffin halves, with side of low salt pizza sauce (make your own real quick with low or no salt tomato sauce seasoned with pepper and oregano), shredded mozzarella, and turkey pepperonis. Side Veggie: sliced bell peppers. Side Fruit: fresh mandarin orange

2.“Lunchables”: Handful (approx. 12) of wheat or veggie crackers, 3 slices of low salt, no preservative deli turkey or ham cut in quarters, 3 slices of low fat cheese cut in quarters. Side Veggie: celery sticks with hummus or ranch dip. Side Fruit: No sugar added fruit cup

3.Roll Ups: Corn or wheat tortilla with sliced cheese or spreadable cheese (such as laughing cow) and low salt no preservative deli meat. Can add spinach and/or smashed avocado as well. Slice in 6 equal pieces to have cute pinwheels. Side Veggie: carrots and dip. Side Fruit: grapes

4.Egg muffins:

Recipe: 1 cup Bisquick

• 1 lb cooked turkey sausage or ground turkey
• 4 eggs, beaten
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• *Optional: 1 cup chopped veggies such as peppers and mushrooms
• Mix all ingredients and split between 12 servings in a muffin tin. Bake at 350 degrees for 20mins
•  Side Veggie: cucumber slices and cherry tomatoes. Side Fruit: berries

5. Pasta salad: Cooked whole wheat or veggie pasta with chopped grilled chicken and vegetables such as tomatoes, zucchini, and spinach. Add a little dressing to the pasta salad such as pesto or Italian dressing. Side Fruit: apple slices.

6. Quesadillas: Corn or wheat tortillas with bean & cheese or chicken & cheese. Side Veggie: broccoli and dip. Side Fruit: mango or peach slices

7.”Chicken Nuggets”:

• Recipe: Cut 1 lb chicken breasts into strips or large chunks.
• Coat in flour mixture: 1 cup or more whole wheat or oat flour mixed with ¼ cup ground flax seeds, ½ tsp salt & pepper, 1 tsp garlic powder, and 1 tsp paprika. Now dredge coated chicken in beaten eggs, and then again coat with flour mixture.
• Bake or air fry until cooked through. (Double recipe to make for dinner, then to have leftovers for next day’s lunches.)
• Side Veggie: veggie chips or sticks. Side Fruit: fruit & veggie squeeze pouch

8. Meatballs:

• Recipe: 1 lb ground beef or turkey
• ½ can pureed pumpkin
• 2 slices wheat bread, torn apart in small pieces
• ¼ cup flax seeds
• 1 egg
• ½ tsp each salt & pepper
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 2 tbsp low sugar ketchup
• Mix all ingredient until well combined. Make 1-2 inch balls and place on greased sheet pan. Bake 15-20mins at 350 degrees until cooked through. Can serve with ketchup or bbq sauce. (Double recipe to make for dinner, then have leftovers for lunch next day.)
• Side Veggie: Cauliflower and hummus or ranch. Side Fruit: pineapple
• Extra additions to above lunch ideas, 1 per day: small individual cookie packs, all natural fruit twists (actual fruit instead of packs of fruit snacks), granola bar, fruit & nut bar such as LaraBar, ¼ cup trail mix, ½ cup honey wheat pretzels.
• No juice, soda or sports drinks; instead have water or 2% milk.

I hope you enjoy! 

Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) causes an abnormal shape of the red blood cells. The red blood cells are shaped like crescents instead of circles. They don’t last long and they can get stuck in the blood vessels, which blocks the blood flow, often resulting in pain and organ damage.

SCD is a group of inherited red blood disorders affecting an important protein in the red blood cell. This protein is called hemoglobin. Hemoglobin helps the red blood cell to carry oxygen to all the different parts of the body. In sickle cell disease, the body produces one or more abnormal types of hemoglobin. This means that the ability of the red blood cell to carry oxygen to all parts of the body is changed. Sickle Cell Disease is a lifelong illness that can result in serious health problems.

There are different forms of Sickle cell disease which are named depending on whether a person inherits a sickle cell trait from each parent or if the person inherits sickle cell trait from one parent and a different abnormal hemoglobin trait from the other parent. Some common types of sickle cell disease include SS disease also known as Sickle Cell Anemia, Sickle Hemoglobin C disease, and Sickle Beta Thalassemia.

Sickle cell disease affects about 100,000 people nationwide. Among the many misconceptions of SCD, African Americans are not the only race affected by the disease. While the African American race makes up a reported 60 to 80 percent of Americans diagnosed, people of East Indian, Middle Eastern, Hispanic and Mediterranean descent may also be affected.

The cure for SCD lies in bone marrow transplants, and while siblings typically are the best matches for this disease, anyone willing to donate can be tested.

Donating bone marrow requires less than 5% of bone marrow cells and is typically taken from the hip of the donor or through a non-surgical procedure in which it is collected through an IV.

While Stem cell transplant can provide a cure for Sickle Cell Disease, it is not an easy cure. There can be many complications. Some patients may not engraft, meaning the donor cells may not grow, and the patient’s own cell grow back instead or a second transplant is needed. There can also be challenges with finding a donor. So unfortunately we cannot consider stem cell transplant to be a universal cure that is available to all with the disease. More research for a universal cure is needed. There are small trials with gene therapy being done currently which I hope will prove successful to offer the chance of cure to even more people with Sickle Cell Disease.

The Sickle Cell Program at Cook Children's Sickle Cell Center serves more than 400 children annually across northern Texas and adjoining states. The program offers testing, diagnosis and treatment for the many types of sickle cell disease. Research is also an important part of the program as the team seeks new ways to treat and prevent the many complications that can occur as a result of this disease. Click here to learn more.

Cook Children's Hematology and Oncology Center is actively involved in sickle cell disease research, including stem cell transplantation. The recognized team of researchers work with leading organizations across the U.S. and around the globe to find solutions to treating, preventing and curing the disease. As a research facility, Cook Children's also has a number of clinical trials available and we are able to match our patients to trials at other facilities. 

Other resources on this topic:

• Sickle Cell Disease
• Hematopietic Stem Cell Transplantation
• Clinical Trial Drug Reduces Pain Of Sickle Cell Patients
• Brotherly Love: Siblings Receive Bone Marros Transplant From Older Brothers
• 'She Takes It and Keeps On Moving.' Child Battles Four Major Diagnosis and Two Surgeries in 5 Years
• The Greatest Gift: Bone Marrow Donors Tell Their Stories
• 4 Reasons Why Pediatricians Recommend Public Cord Banking
• Warning Signs of Pediatric Stroke
• Living With Sickle Cell

Dan Guzman, M.D., a Cook Children’s emergency physician, called the day gut-wrenching for the victims, their families, and the medical staff that took care of the kids, ranging from ages 3 to 14.

Gun awareness and gun safety is a passion for Dr. Guzman. He is the medical director of the Aim for Safety program at Cook Children’s, which promotes firearm safety for children. The program is a multi-step interactive experience that provides parental awareness and teaches children the steps they should take when they encounter a firearm.

“I think most people think this ‘won’t happen to us’ because we’ve taught our kids to never touch guns,” Dr. Guzman said. “But if you aren’t taking the proper precautions as the adult and parent, it’s probably only a matter of when, not if, your life may be affected by an unintentional discharge involving someone you know, and maybe even your child.”

Firearm-related fatalities are a top 3 cause of death among children in the United States.

Dr. Guzman said before the weekend, the medical center staff sees about one child per week. Already in 2019, three gunshot wounds treated at the medical center have been fatal.

“Unfortunately, the tragedy of children falling victim to unsecured firearms continues to happen daily,” Dr. Guzman said. “These preventable incidents and the pain and suffering they inflict can be reduced by properly securing your firearms.”

As part of the program, Dr. Guzman offers these safety tips to follow:

The 3 Ts of firearm safety and children

Talk – This includes your family, neighbors and friends. When your child visits other homes, ask the owners if there are guns in their homes and how they are stored. Dr. Guzman said this question is not to be insulting, but to keep your children safe from unsecured firearms.

Teach – Have a conversation with your kids about what to do if they see a gun:

• Stop
• Don’t touch the gun
• Run away
• Tell someone

Take – Dr. Guzman is asking gun owners to take action and store their firearms properly. And, to take personal responsibility for our children’s safety.

Dr. Guzman stressed that children are curious and impulsive which can be deadly when paired with a firearm. Storing a loaded firearm under the mattress, in a bedside table or a closet is placing your family at risk, Dr. Guzman added.

The most secure place for your firearm is in a safe with the ammunition stored separately. Unsecured firearms should always be in your possession. If you are unable to purchase a gun safe, then separating the ammunition from the firearm and using a cable or trigger lock will help reduce the risk of unintentional injury to your child.

“It’s important to assess and evaluate your home injury risk and find ways to reduce the hazards in your home whether it is related to firearms, water safety, poisonings or any other safety risks,” Dr. Guzman said. “Discussing with your children the importance of what to do when they encounter a firearm can help to reduce unintentional injury in your home.

You’re holding your child’s hand on your way to the first day of school. The squeeze on your hand is tighter than usual. Then suddenly your little one sees a friend, smiles, releases your grip and you watch them run to school together without a care in the world.

Everything is great.

But then you notice a tear in your eye. Suddenly, you realize your child isn’t the one nervous about going back to school. It’s you.

The back-to-school transition can be stressful for many parents, and the reasons are valid.

For example, knowing that your child struggles with change can increase your own feelings of tension.

You may worry that your child will struggle to fit in with peers and make friends.

Maybe your child had a bad experience at day care or a previous school year, leaving you both with lingering anxiety.

Some parents are concerned that schoolwork or a tight schedule may be too difficult for their child or that a teacher will not understand their child's unique needs. 

Maybe, you’ve waited until the last minute and just aren’t ready. The need to buy new clothes and school supplies may cause concerns about finances, and a steady stream of demands on your time can leave you feeling pressured and stressed.

Plus, there’s just the feeling that your young child is growing up too darn fast.

If you are stressed about your child's return to school, you may wonder if you should share your concerns. Sam McCage, clinic manager of Behavioral Health Services in Fort Worth and a licensed psychologist,  says that could be a mistake. Your child looks to you for signs that school is fun, exciting and safe and not something to fear, so it's important to discuss school in an upbeat and encouraging way.

"Recognize that children will sense your anxiety and their own will increase if you express your anxiety too much," McCage said. "If they ask about your concerns, tell them that you are excited for them and confident they will do well."

McCage reminds parents that "it's normal to feel anxiety about your child going back to school, but he says there are strategies to help you effectively manage your stress.

Here's how you can calm your concerns and enjoy this annual adventure with your child.:

• Visit the school and connect with your child's teacher and other school staff.
• Make arrangements for car pools, play dates and after-school care well in advance.
• Be patient and give the teachers time to develop a relationship with your child.
• Make sure you have realistic expectations about how your child should perform in school and extracurricular activities.
• Talk with other parents about how they handle their anxiety.
• Use humor to diffuse the stress.
• Schedule fun family activities with your children.

1. What system do you use for your classroom management?

This question is important because it lets you know the class norms along with what is expected of your child’s behavior.

2. How do you reinforce positive behavior?

This will give you an idea of the rewards and praises the teacher gives out in order to support a more positive learning environment.

3. What is your primary medium for communication?

It's important to know how your child’s teacher plans to get important information to you and vice versa. Maybe they send home letters or maybe they prefer to email. It's always a good idea to know what the teacher prefers to ensure communication is not hampered.

4. What are the top three things I can do at home to help my child succeed?

By finding out the answer to this question, you will know what new material is of great importance in your child’s new grade level. For example, Ownby lets her parents know that practicing multiplication facts was extremely important when she taught third graders. If they are practicing at home, they will be better prepared in the classroom.

5. What supplies do you run out of first?

This is helpful to know in case you would like to send in supplies to school with your child. Many supplies are used on a daily basis and tend to run out quickly.

Other ways to ensure your child gets the most out of the school year include setting high expectations and making sure they attend school on a regular basis (unless they are sick). Parents should also keep an open line of communication with their child's teacher and make sure they understand the parents' goals and expectations for the child. With these points in minds, parents can help make sure their students are being given the opportunities they need to succeed in the classroom.

Ball sports and games have many benefits for kids besides being a lot of fun. Playing ball helps kids develop skills:

Increased coordination with both hands

How?

o Stand in one place and dribble a basketball.

o Run while dribbling a ball.

o Playing/bumping a volleyball.

Increased hand eye coordination

How?

o Playing catch.

o Batting practice.

o Playing mini golf.

o Playing a racquet sport like tennis or ping pong.

Improved balance

How?

o Kicking a ball while standing in place.

o Kicking a ball while running.

o Jumping and reaching to catch a throw.

There are great ball options for kids of all ages and abilities. 

For kids 3 and under

Once babies can sit on their own, they can begin to roll a medium sized ball. As they grow, they will begin to use two hands to attempt to catch by pulling a ball closet to their body. Kicking is something that we should start to see with toddlers. At first your little one will walk into a ball to move it forward. As your child matures they will begin to lift one leg to kick. This requires balance and is a good challenge for toddlers and preschoolers. As their balance improves they will be able to the kick the ball harder and farther and in a straight line.

For grade school kids

At this age, kids are ready to be challenged with balls of different shapes and sizes like soccer balls, footballs, baseballs and tennis balls. These balls can be thrown and caught, but also can be used in more complex ways as part of a game. A great way to get this age group active is to create a game that they can play with friends.

For the preteen and teenagers

If your child is not yet involved in a team sport, it is important to continue to encourage them to be active with their friends, including games that include ball skills.

Sports are beneficial whether played on formal teams or as part of pick-up game with friends. Sports not only challenge your child physically, but encourage them to work on things like taking turns and being a good sport. Activities like soccer, baseball, and basketball require children to coordinate their own movements with the movements of other children in order to be successful. Teamwork and compromise are great skills for all kids to work on and will benefit them in many areas of their life.

So whether it is on their own, with siblings and friends, or as part of a team, encourage your kids to be active this summer and get involved with ball games. Remember that all kids should be getting at least one hour of physical activity a day and they will need lots of water when playing outside in the Texas summers. 

About the author

Kate Mcgee, PT, DPT, is a physical therapist at Cook Children's. Physical therapy at Cook Children's focuses on large motor and functional skils to enhance development, restore function and prevent disability from pediatric conditions, illness or injury. Cook Children's has Rehabilition Services in locations in Fort Worth, Hurst and most recently in Mansfield.

Time for school, which means shopping for school supplies, meet the teacher night and contracting parasites. Many diseases increase in frequency when you gather school aged children back together again for the start of the year (common colds and strep throat are great examples). Today, I am going to talk about three parasites that tend to cause outbreaks in school classrooms.

Head lice

Head lice are common; some consider their acquisition a rite of passage for elementary school. They are parasitic insects that live on the scalp and cause itching. They are not dangerous but very annoying and can be identified by finding their characteristic eggs (called nits). Less commonly, a caregiver can find live lice moving on the scalp. Treatment most often involves using medicated shampoo. A few tips on treatment:

1. There are many great over the counter shampoos. Follow the written directions closely as too much could be harmful and too little will not be effective. Contact your pediatrician if things are not improving.
2. Many doctors recommend clearing the nits off the scalp with a fine-tooth comb.
3. Many shampoos require a repeat dose in one week.

Scabies

Scabies are less common than head lice. but equally annoying and also not dangerous. The mites that cause scabies burrow down just under the top layer of skin and cause severe itching and a fine red rash. It is common to find the rash on the wrist and between fingers and toes. Diagnosis requires a visit to the doctor who generally makes the diagnosis based on the story and the characteristic rash. Treatment involves applying a cream to the skin to kill the mite.A few tips on treatment:

Apply the cream to all skin from the neck to the toes, not just the area with the rash.Leave the cream on for 8-12 hours (overnight works great).Wash all sheets and towels the next morning on the hottest cycle of your washing machine.Repeat the treatment in 1 week.

Cooties

Cooties are the most common parasite in the elementary age child. All children at one point or another have been exposed to and contracted cooties. Cooties are contracted by close contact with another child of the same age, but opposite gender. Diagnosis is sometimes difficult, but it is pretty safe to assume that all children ages 4-10 are infected at all times. There is no treatment for cooties although it is thought that passing them on to another child does provide some temporary relief.

Thankfully, there is a vaccination for cooties which your child's friend can provide by tracing a circle on your child’s arm and reciting, “Circle, circle, dot, dot…now you have the cootie shot."