By Dr. Vernita Peeples, Pediatric Partners of Hampton Roads

Here’s an end-of-the-school-year tip for parents that will save both time and money.

Pick up your children’s leftover medications from the school nurse.

Schools cannot send prescriptions or over-the-counter medications you’ve left with the nursing office home with your child at the end of the year, so plan to pick up the medication yourself. That can save you money on refills and also a potential trip to the doctor for a refill.

This also spares school nurses the annual dilemma of what to do with leftover prescription and over-the-counter medications that must be properly disposed of if no one picks them up. That’s a process that can be complicated and time-consuming, especially if the medications contain controlled substances.

Save dollars and extra work for everyone by stopping by your kids’ schools before the last bell rings.

Here are some other things to keep in mind as the school year draws to a close:

• Return school property, such as library books, textbooks, sporting equipment, and electronic devices.
• Review next year’s course schedule and report any errors, so the school has plenty of time to make changes, if necessary.
• Schedule a well-child visit for your child now, before appointment times fill up, and make sure all vaccinations are up to date before school starts again. Your child’s sports or camp physicals can be done at the same visit.
• Let your child’s school know if you are moving, so records can be sent to the new school.
• Register children for pre-K or kindergarten classes.
• Prepare children who are going to kindergarten by establishing a good schedule during the summer. Also, read books, practice counting, and talk about how to meet and play with other children. Encourage your older kids to read at least one book per month. 

Like this post?

Sign up to receive our once monthly email with more kids' health tips from the region's most trusted name in pediatric health care.

About CHKD Medical Group

Children’s Hospital of The King’s Daughters has been the region’s most trusted name in pediatric care for more than 50 years. As members of CHKD Health System, our pediatricians work closely with CHKD’s full range of pediatric specialists and surgeons. They also share a commitment to quality, excellence and child-centered care. With 18 practices in 29 locations throughout the region, a CHKD pediatrician is never far.