Back to School Tips for Parents

Before we know it, summer is coming to a close and it’s back to school!

We want our children to have the best start to the school year with the easiest transition possible. It’s a big adjustment going from summer relaxation back to a regimented schedule.

Here are some suggestions to ease into the school year.

Prepare your child for a healthy school year by scheduling annual well checkups and updating any necessary immunizations before that first day of school. Contact your pediatrician group to assess any needed before school well checks. 

If your child is in sports, the school requires updated physical forms.  The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends yearly well exams- to check in on growth, development and mental health of your child.

The American Academy of Pediatrics also has a full recommended vaccine schedule that has been consistent for years. Pediatricians follow the AAP recommendations for vaccines.

By vaccinating, you will have a much healthier school year preventing many contagious diseases such as measles and meningitis.

If your child has a chronic condition such as asthma, make sure you meet with the school nurse and have the appropriate meds at the school before the first day. Health forms will need to be filled out for the nurse to administer meds. Your pediatrician will need to fill out these forms prior to your child being able to have meds administered.

Here are some simple tips to prepare your child and help them better adjust to the new year. 

1.Parents should start easing children into the routine back to school sleep times giving them a consistent sleep schedule. Start 1-2 weeks before school starts. This helps prevent the exhaustion of the first return weeks of school. Not getting enough sleep leads to poor school performance and increased anxiety.

Limit screen time, caffeine and sugary drinks before bedtime.

2.Make the first day of school easier by taking your child to the new classroom or new school before the first day of school. If in elementary school, consider taking your child to play on the playground before school starts. Consider having your middle school child visit the school and practice their schedule and locker to ease the stress and transition to a new school. Many children get nervous about new situations and practice decreases stress.

3.Find another child in the neighborhood to walk or ride to school with your child or practice how to be safe at the bus stop waiting for the bus to stop and watching the signs.

Have your child practice crossing the street if needed. 

If carpooling, make sure everyone is appropriately restrained in the car. 

Remember that children under the age of 13, should ride in the back seat.
4. Have your child help you pick out their lunch choices and prepare for the first day.

Consider placing a small note or drawing to help your child feel connected throughout the day- this is especially helpful to decrease stress. Separation anxiety is very common in elementary children 

5.And on that first day of school, start the day off right with breakfast ideally that contains some type of protein. This provides children with better concentration and energy for school.
6.And after that first day of school, celebrate the victories of the day by listening to your child’s day, but remember try to let your child have some quiet time after school with no screens to unwind. This helps them reset, relax and process their day. 

We wish you all well whether your children are starting school for the first time or returning for another year. Every year holds new challenges as your children grow and evolve into adulthood.

Parenthood is ever challenging!! Have a great year!