The average parent estimates they will only get three-quarters of their “back to school” list in time for the start of term.
A survey of 1,000 parents of school-age children revealed that buying new uniforms, preparing school shoes and organizing transport are just some of the tasks on a seemingly “never-ending” list.
As a result, one in 10 moms and dads feel they will miss out on some of their preschool essentials due to lack of time, with 11 percent saying it is “very” stressful.
Also on the back-to-school to-do list are buying new pencil cases and pencils, buying books and sewing name tags.
However, only 20 percent will add eye appointments to their list before returning to school.
The research was commissioned by Specsavers, who created an Eye Screen Van, to get parents thinking about their children’s eye health – appearing on London’s South Bank and the Royal Botanical Garden in Edinburgh.
Director of clinical services, Giles Edmonds, explained why it is so important to have eye exams before the new mandate.
He said: “Many parents assume that because their children don’t show any signs of a vision problem, there is no need for eye tests.
“However, this could not be further from the truth.
“Ensuring your child has regular eye exams from an early age is extremely important for several reasons.
“Given that more than 80 percent of our learning, cognitive and social skills are facilitated through our vision, it is extremely important for your child’s overall development.
“Poor vision can cause learning and behavioral problems.
“Conditions such as strabismus and amblyopia – lazy eye – can be treated more effectively if they are detected earlier, which can make a huge difference to your child.
“An eye exam doesn’t just check vision. It can also detect other underlying health conditions.”
The study concluded that 28% will spend time planning future meals and snacks for the new period than those who book dental or optical appointments.
Just over a quarter (26 percent) of parents surveyed spoke to their children about vision problems they had while at school.
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Of these, 37 percent of children had difficulty seeing the whiteboard and 33 percent asked to be placed closer to the front of the class.
More than a fifth (22 per cent) struggled during PE lessons because they couldn’t see the ball properly.
And 24 percent of children expressed reluctance to have eye exams, according to the OnePoll. with figures.
It also found that one in four children aged between four and 16 has never had an eye exam and a further 17 per cent have not had one for two years or more.
Top 20 Back-to-School Chores
1. Buying new uniforms
2. Preparing new shoes for my child
3. Buy new physical education/sports kit (includes swimming)
4. Purchase of stationery
5. Labeling personal items
6. Review of school schedules and calendars
7. Planning meals and snacks
8. Buying new books
9. Reviewing which textbooks are needed
10. Dental check-up
11. Discussing goals and expectations
12. Testing my child’s eyes
13. Organizing clubs/extracurricular activities before or after school
14. Arrange before/after school childcare
15. Catching up on household chores and responsibilities
16. Organization of school transport
17. Review of school policies
18. Updating emergency contact information
19. Scheduling other medical appointments
20. Organize study areas at home
It is worrying that there has been little progress over the last 15 years, as figures from 2009 show that just under a quarter (23 per cent) of children, aged between three and 12, had never had an eye test .
Children under 16 are entitled to an NHS-funded eye test and free glasses from high street opticians, however 22 per cent of parents are not aware of this.
Worryingly, awareness of this has declined, with only one in 10 parents being unaware of this in 2009.
Giles Edmonds, from Specsavers, who will be offering free vision screenings, color blindness tests and lollies from their Eye Screen Van, added: “We understand how many things parents need to think about, especially during the summer holidays and before the new school year starts.
“By showing up with our eye screen van, we hope we have put eye tests on parents’ radar as they play a significant role in preparing children for a happy and fulfilling school life.”
How to Survive Six Weeks of Summer School Holidays
IF you’re struggling with the six week summer break, you’ve come to the right place…
FIGHTING BOREDOM: Despite the hours of activities and playtime, if your kids are already complaining that there’s nothing to do, early childhood education expert Liat Hughes Joshi says, “Don’t feel like you need to organize every second of your vacation. Children benefit from boredom and learn to have fun.
“Boredom can trigger creative and imaginative play, but children need to be encouraged to get used to not being told how to pass the time.
“Overcome the urges of boredom. Counterattack with comments like, ‘What do you think you could do?’ and maybe have a list of ‘I’m bored’ activity ideas on your fridge.”
SCREEN OVERLOAD: It’s tempting during the holidays to rely on a digital babysitter, but don’t let them gape all summer in front of a screen.
Liat says, “It’s unfair to expect older children to diminish power, but it’s important to establish some ground rules.
“Establish family technology rules together. If you are often distracted by your phone, follow the rules too. Perhaps tell children that they are not allowed any screen time until they have done set tasks, some exercise, or a board game.
“Are there times when you would like to ban screens altogether? Maybe during dinner or when they have friends over to visit.
“Technology is a battleground for parents, but limits need to be set. Stand your ground and be prepared to be unpopular.”
VERY TOGETHER: You love your kids, but being with them 24/7 can be exhausting. Don’t feel guilty if you need a little downtime.
Liat says, “If you’re juggling work and household chores on top of keeping your kids busy, it’s normal to start feeling overwhelmed or tired and in need of some peace.
“If you don’t have the money to pay or don’t want to send your kids to full-day camps, look for free workshops for kids so you can keep working or take a break for a few hours.
“Seeking a quiet period every now and then doesn’t make you a bad parent – in fact, it will probably make you more positive and enthusiastic when you are with the kids.”
SCHEDULING CONFLICT: Schedules may go out the window during the holidays, but late nights and early mornings can mean tired and unhappy kids.
Dr Tamara Bugembe, pediatrician and founder of Helperbees.co.uk says: “Children get moody, test limits and become defiant when routines are broken.
“Following some sort of routine while on vacation is a good idea.
“We release hormones at different times of the day and when regular meal and sleep times are disrupted, it causes mood spikes and dips.
“Vacation is for fun, but going to bed early once or twice a week will make everyone happier.”
EXCESS ENERGY: Make sure kids get outdoors to tire them out – and make them healthier and happier.
Dr Bugembe says: “Sunlight also increases vital vitamin D levels, which helps improve bone strength and energy levels in children. Our levels are low in the winter, so let the kids fill up in warmer weather.
“Letting them run around in shorts and a t-shirt is the best way to recharge. Make sure they’re wearing sunscreen, go out and have fun.
“Encourage them to try healthy habits like cycling and walking. We hope they get hooked and want to carry them when the weather gets colder.”
This story originally appeared on The-sun.com read the full story
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