This post was written by Abigail Masters, NP, PPG – Family Medicine.
Between helping your kids get back to their regular routine and tracking down all of the specific supplies on the teacher’s list, the days leading up to the first day of school can be both time-consuming and overwhelming for families. Below, I’ve shared some recommendations for easing their transition, whether they love being in school or dread it.
Expert pointers to prepare for the school year
- Remember to involve them in decisions. As the parent, it’s your decision what is and isn’t allowed, but letting kids have an active role in decision-making helps them understand the “why.” A good application would be including them in a discussion around set wake and bed times, in which you talk about how much time they need to get ready.
- Set rules and guidelines for media use. This is very important and probably the most difficult, as it requires parents to be aware of their device use. If we want our children to be mindful of technology use, then we have to model that. Parents shouldn’t expect their kids to have self-control if they don’t as adults. Make sure that all screens are monitored with parental controls and try to keep devices out of bedrooms, to promote sleep and reduce to risk of addictive behaviors.
- Come up with some fun things to do as a family a few days a week. This time of year can feel heavy with obligations and schedules. Brainstorm activities like going to the park or on a hike, taking a class at the community center, game night or a YouTube dance party so there are things to look forward to.
- Get everyone involved with meal planning and preparation. Even young children can help decide the menu and cook. Aim for meals that include a protein, vegetable, fruit and complex carbohydrate. While not everyone loves vegetables, it’s imperative that you find ways to incorporate them.
A soft goal of 3 cups of colorful veggies a day (not including white potatoes and corn) is good. Get creative and try vegetarian or plant-based takes on family favorites. Eating vegetables impacts their current and future health and is as important as teaching them to look both ways before crossing the street.
- Find ways to encourage them daily. And leave out the ever-tempting "but.” They know where they have gone wrong and will likely bring it up. If they don't, address concerns at a different time.
- Set times to have friends over. It’s important for your children to socialize with their peers. It’s also important for parents to get to know the people their kids are spending time with and being influenced by.
- Make sleep a priority. Kids need to get adequate rest, but it can become tricky with extracurricular activities, academics and athletics. It’s so easy for today’s kids to get over-extended. As a parent, you may have to step in if they aren’t able to find a balance.
- Establish a chore list. Household chores are a great way to give encouragement and build responsibility, as well as generate more time for fun things as a family.
- Check in with your primary care provider. Be aware of the state and school’s requirements for vaccinations, sports physicals, etc. You can handle all of this by staying on top of annual well-child exams with your Pediatric or Family Medicine provider. (Learn about the School Health Report function in MyChart.)
- Talk about threats online. Have a clear conversation about safety with social media, photos (getting and receiving), sharing personal information, and bullying both cyber and at school.
- Communicate with the school nurse. Discuss medications and action plans for your child’s diagnoses, such asthma or diabetes. Make sure you have signed any necessary forms or turned in prescription or over-the-counter medication your child might need for ADHD, headaches, fevers, allergies, etc.
- Help your daughter be prepared. If you have an adolescent girl who may start her menses, make sure you have spoken with her about what to expect. Put together a kit she can carry in her backpack with supplies like an extra set of underwear, pads and tampons. Assemble it together so she knows how to properly use the products.
Getting ready for school doesn’t have to be daunting. Injecting a little bit of family fun, outlining expectations and working out the details together helps your child navigate our ever-changing world. Good communication, setting appropriate boundaries and giving them appropriate responsibilities at the start of the year can help them get through each semester successfully. Just remember, the most important thing is to provide love and encouragement so they can thrive.
Best of luck to all of the parents and students heading back to the classroom in the coming weeks. If you have any questions or concerns, contact your pediatrician or primary care provider for guidance. We’re here to help!
