All Paths Lead To School

It's back to school time. As parents, we are challenged to walk the paperwork trail that leads to class - are you letting anything slip through the cracks?

All over the world, as fall beckons, it can only mean one thing: school is about to begin and parents sit nervously on the sidelines preparing for that fateful day.

What do your preparations include? An hour and a half of paperwork supplied by your local school district, buying underwear, a trip to your local office supply store for notebook paper, folders and pens for the kids to lose?

Our fall routine includes a sports physical. They are generally routine - a quick look, a cough and deep breath - and then the signature allowing Jacob, our youngest, to fulfill his passion by playing football. Not this year.

We went to the local clinic for a physical and his blood pressure was high - a sixteen year old child who participates in athletics all year round! Needless to say, we didn't get the signature. Jacob was heartbroken. He was to see his pediatrician, which, I must say, he was thrilled about when his six foot, 255 pound mass had to sit in the midst of toddlers and baby carriers!

This visit was no different from the clinic - his blood pressure was high and he was banned from participating in anything but general conditioning until we could get him into the cardiologist. Jacob was above panic. He wanted to play. Now.

In the end, Jacob was given an echo cardiogram and was cleared for participation. I have to admit though, it was tough not to get caught up in his desperation and try to "pull some strings" so he could play.

With all we have to deal with to get him into school, the last thing we wanted to do was to spend several days at specialist....and then I started thinking:Thank goodness the clinic nurse was alert and cared!"

It is easy to put off trips to the dentist, eye doctor and pediatrician for immunizations and check-ups. Money and time are tight. I found out this year how valuable these visits can be.

Do you need suggestions enabling you to find the time and the money to get your child the care he needs? Join me August 19 and 21 in an adventure to find out what tests our children need and when - and how to find the money to get them!