It is time to say Hello to August!    And with it's arrival we can look forward to the "dog days of summer" and thoughts that put a smile on the face of parents and sense of dread in kids - Back To School!   

Over the next several days I want to talk about Back to School Safety, Hints & Tips!  Not only for the students in your life but for parents too!   

Today we will focus on safety:  

Go over important information with your child - do they know their address; phone number (all the numbers they need to reach you or other realatives);  do they know who it is okay to accept a ride with; do you have a code word to "authorize" some one different to pick them up from school; is it okay for them to leave campus for lunch; safety issues about riding with their friends - many states have newer laws about who can be in a car with a newly licensed driver, be sure you know these laws. 

Plan a safe route to school, choosing the most direct way with the fewest street crossings. Tell your child to stay on this route and review safe street crossing procedures. Teach your child all traffic safety rules and remind him or her to be especially careful during bad weather. If possible, your child should always walk or bike to school with a buddy.  If your child is driving to school for the first time, be sure they know what to do in the event of an accident; bad weather; giving rides to friends; snow routes; how to approach high water areas.  Everyone should be extra aware of school zones and areas that are well traveled routes between schools and neighborhoods! 

College bound students: 
     Check with your insurance carrier about "renters" insurance - every policy has different coverage for dorm room contents.
     If your student is going out of state do they need different/additional auto insurance?
     Medical insurance, what is your coverage where your student is going to college?  Is there an on-campus facility they can use and what are the charges - where is the nearest Emergency Room and do they accept your insurance.   Discuss with your child what constitutes a trip to ER and what constitutes a trip to the campus nurse (if there is one) and if and where they can go in for a "routine" office visit.   Remember dental visits/needs too.   Flu shots?  Swine Flu Shots? 
    Talk to your child about "sharing" prescription medication.  
    Be sure they have emergency contact information with them, in their cell phones, in their purse or wallet.  Do you know how to reach them on campus?  Their friends cell phone numbers? 

Okay, a quick giggle to end with:

Victoria returned to school in fine form, causing a ruckus from day one. Her teacher called her mother after only one week to tell her that her daughter was misbehaving.

"Just a minute there," said her mother. "I've had her for three whole months, and not once did I call you to complain when she acted up."

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