Call your child's school to make sure all registration requirements have been taken care of. You should also verify the date and time the school begins, inquire about school recess and get a schedule of important dates.

Contact your child's doctor to make sure your child's immunizations are up to date. If your child has any chronic medical conditions, be sure to notify the school about this information. It's also a good idea to get your child's eyes examined, in case there is a need for glasses. Eating healthy and getting enough sleep are also important to achieve a healthy lifestyle.

Get a recommended or required supplies list from the school or your child's teacher before you buy the essentials, as some teachers or school will have very specific requests. While purchasing the school supplies for your child, remember to consider the weight of your child's backpack. Backpacks that are too heavy or are worn incorrectly can cause injuries and posture problems. Consider a backpack on wheels that helps take the load off your child's back.

If you are driving your child to school, drop off and pick up your child as close to the school as possible. Make sure your child gets inside the schoolyard or building safely before you leave.

Remind your child to stay away from strangers and never accept rides or gifts from strangers.

If your child's school is nearby and he or she walks to school, plan a walking route to the school and walk the route with your child beforehand. Choose the most direct way with the fewest road crossings. Tell your child to walk in well-lit areas and never take short cuts where there aren't many people around. Be sure your child walks to and from school with a sibling, friend or neighbour whenever possible.

If your child takes the bus, instruct your child on the proper etiquette for riding on a school bus. Remind your child to stay seated at all times inside the bus while riding and never stick anything such as arms, head or legs out the window. When exiting the bus, make sure he or she waits for the bus to stop completely before getting up from the seat and exit from the front using the handrail to avoid falls.

Teach your child, whether walking, bicycling or riding in a car or bus, to obey all traffic rules. Always be a good role model especially when you are with your child.