DISCLAIMER: I’ll use the terms parent/your child throughout this issue. The term parent indicates any caretaker responsible for anyone 17 and under. The term child indicates any child 17 and under. Regardless of the title, roles played, or the reason, I salute anyone for taking on a positive role in a child’s life!

Back to School

A phrase I have come to have a love/dislike relationship with. I love it because my children (a High School Freshman & a 4th Grader) get to return to the school setting, their friends, and all of their extra-curricular activities that keep us really busy as a family. I consider it our “Regularly Scheduled Programming”. I dislike it because it’s a reminder that it is the end of summer, and it is now time to finish school shopping (I start very early) and their doctor’s well visits. You know the usual: pediatrician and dentist, but many parents don’t think of taking their children to an optometrist - even with or without signs their child may need glasses.

Picture it: your child is sitting in class and can’t see the board or can’t read the handout in front of him or her which could result in bad grades and maybe even headaches. He or she may not know how to explain the issue that they simply can’t see the material or maybe he or she is being bullied for even wearing glasses and refuses to wear them at school. Horrible, isn’t it? Scenarios like this plays on a child’s confidence and performance. Avoiding these issues may cause more problems beyond eye health. Optometry visits are often overlooked by parents be it lack vision insurance, finances, time or knowledge. Many common eye issues can be remedied with early detection. After researching, the recommended age to start having eye exams is 6 months to 1 year old. I know, I thought that was very young also, but it is proven to be highly effective. While observing my daughter get her eyes examined, I said to myself, “I wonder what teachers see from a professional aspect. They are with our children just as much as we are.”

Over the weekend, I met with LaLa Weathersby, an educator, Owner of Taken by LaLa Photography, & Owner of The Teacher Top Shop (yes - she definitely wears a cape - LOL). We discussed the importance of eye exams in the health and education of children. Here’s what she had to offer:

The most common signs a student is having issues with their eyesight are issues while reading the board, squinting to read things near or far, asking to be moved to the front of the class, and consistent headaches. When I notice a student exhibiting any of these issues, I talk to the student, and if deemed necessary, I send him or her to the nurse. From there, the nurse will contact the parent to discuss concerns and options. This past academic year, I noticed a lot of my virtual students wearing Blue Light Blocking Glasses. With the amount of time children are spending on their devices, I think the blue light blocking glasses are necessary. I even bout a pair for myself. I think eye exams are another necessary component for any student’s academic success.

What is The Teacher Top Shop?

I created The Teacher Top Shop for teachers, administrators, and even students, to express phrases & class terms said and heard around school through graphic tees. I wanted something cute, comfy, and fun for me and the kiddos. The tees aren’t just for educators. Anyone can wear our tees.

Blue Light Blocking Glasses help increase contrast on your devices’ screen, making it easier to focus and reduce eye strain. Although many optometrists recommend Blue Light Blocking eyewear for all ages, it is definitely recommended for children and teens with their constant use of cell phones, iPads, & computers. After the eye exam, my daughter is now required to wear glasses for more than just reading. Her prescription also called for blue light blocking. My son’s exam resulted in him not having to wear glasses and did not show any vision issues. He now wears a pair of non-prescription Blue Light Blocking frames when needed.

THIS WEEK’S EYEWEAR:

There’s nothing like wearing a comfy tee when running errands with the kids. This tee was perfect for these frames, I mean, it fits the phrase perfectly! I purchased the tee from The Teacher Top Shop. I paired the tee with denim jeans from J.Crew and my go-to Birkenstocks. For a quick change into date night: this ensemble can be topped with a blazer and heels! If you want to get a little fancy, add a fitted pencil skirt and wow the town!

All About Maria:

That 9-5: Sure! These frames are bold and great icebreakers!

Girl’s Day Out: Why not?! They look great as sunglasses also!

BAE Night/Day: Wearing statement frames on date night are synonymous to wearing heals!

Loungin’: Not so much.

Overall, I give these glasses a 3 out of 5. I bought these thinking they would become a favorite. I was disappointed. The fit is a bit large over the nose and I really should install rubber nose guards or adjust the bend of the arm to keep them from sliding. I don’t wear these as often as I want because of the bridge size. However, they are true statement frames and real showstoppers!

I hope this issue convinced you to get your child’s eyes examined during your Back-to-School To-Do list if you haven’t checked it off your list! If you aren’t a parent, but play a vital role in a child’s village, encourage the caretaker to get it done! We want all children to be healthy and academically successful! How can we offer them the world if they can’t see it?

Special thanks to LaLa Weatherby of The Teacher Top Shop & Taken by LaLa Photography for collaborating this week and offering your professional opinion & many talents (for more info, visit our “Collaborations” tab).

To my village growing up and to my children’s village: Thank You! You are appreciated & loved! Get your stretch on & your prayer knees ready, we’re going back to high school - LOL!

Complete that Back-to-School optometry visit or encourage someone to get it done!

Until next week and daily on Instagram @_necessory_

Stay safe and wear your mask!

-Keirston