NEENAH, Wis. (WFRV) – With the new school year starting, local officials are sharing ways that parents can keep their children safe both inside and out of school.
One healthcare professional said that parents making intentional time with their children makes all the difference.
“You have to be intentional about spending time with your kids,” said ThedaCare Emergency Physician William Kumprey.
Dr. Kumprey added that it can be as simple as just asking them how they’re doing daily.
“As a parent, sit down and discuss all the things they may encounter and what their plan is to deal with that,” Dr. Kumprey said. “Every day, check in on them psychologically and healthwise.”
On top of this, children need to get a healthy amount of sleep at night.
“They need that 8-10 hours of sleep for multiple reasons: for mental health, for the growth they do, to keep their immunity up.” Dr. Kumprey said. “There are a lot of things that sleep provides that we try to band-aid with caffeine or energy drinks.”
Local police officers are reminding drivers to be alert on their commutes, making time to slow down and be aware of their surroundings, especially while school buses are on the road.
“There might be a last-minute bus driver, [or student] running to catch that bus, so always expect one more,” Community Liaison Officer Matt Row said.
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Officers also say that pedestrians must be aware of their surroundings.
“All too often, we see people walking and they are playing on their phone walk right out into traffic, or walk into obstructions on the sidewalk,” Officer Row said. “We don’t want to see anyone get hurt that way.“
