Forget New Year’s. In a kid’s world, fall marks the time of new beginnings – new teachers, new subjects and new stressors. The following tips can help parents make sure good health isn’t left out of the equation.

When shopping for a backpack, make sure style doesn’t override comfort. Schools require more books than ever, and hauling them around can lead to back pain. Find a backpack that disperses the load. Two straps balance the weight between both shoulders. The bag should sit one to two inches below the shoulder and no more than a few inches below the waistline. A waist strap can further ease back tension by diverting the weight to the stomach and hip muscles.

The lunch bag is another important factor in a student’s day. Homemade meals are usually healthier than cafeteria food. But parents can’t always tell if their child’s lunch gets eaten, traded or thrown in the trash. Getting kids involved can enhance the bag lunch’s appeal. Just set up an evening to shop for food and prepare the meals. Then, guide your children to healthy choices. Baked potato chips and dried fruit can make tasty alternatives to unhealthy snack foods. For a beverage, encourage kids to pack milk or 100-percent fruit juices.

Each school year brings new opportunities for learning. Make health one of them, and your kids will be at the head of their class.