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Dubai: With the new school year just round the corner, the UAE’s Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP) has urged parents to crafeully plan and set priorities to ensure their children are prepared for a smooth start of the school year.
The ministry issued the following essential tips for parents:
Prepare a to-do list of tasks to complete before school starts.
Buy school supplies in advance.
Set up a daily schedule with consistent times for sleep, study and play to maintain a steady routine for your child.
Create a comfortable and tiny study space at home.
Check in with the school or teachers for any new information or requirements for the upcoming year.
Discuss the new school year with your child.
Encourage your child with positive motivation for going back to school.
Budget for school expenses to prevent overspending.
Choose exptracurricular activities that won’t interfere with stuidy or sleep.
Healthy lunchbox
MOHAP has also urged parents to shop amart and pack healthy lunchboxes.
“By selecting nutritious foods, you can effectively support your child’s health and development, “ it said.
The ministry provided the following tips to pack a balanced lunchbox:
Make sure to include fresh fruits and vegetables
Whole grainsproducts such as whole wheat bread, brown rice and whole grain pasta.
Healthy drinks with water being the most important.
Avoid buying processed and sugary snacks such as candy and fast food
Purchase only what is necessary to minimise waste and maintain freshness
Flu vaccine
Doctors have also reminded parents that the new 2024-25 flu vaccine has been released. Parents have been urged to get their children vaccinated against the flu as the vaccine provides them protection against Influenza A and B.