Back to School Tips for Parents

Parents Can Do Many Things to Help Their Child

As school gets underway, parents and kids may be experiencing some added pressure and anxiety thanks to the new school year. The summer is a time of freedom and relaxation for children. Going back to school takes away much of their freedom while putting on more stress. That’s why the team at Tots N Teens Pediatrics is here to offer parents some helpful back to school tips.

As a parent, your child’s health and wellbeing, academic performance, and mental health are all priorities. We are here to offer you some tips to ease this transition for both you and your child.

Establish a Healthy Sleep Schedule. 

Sleep is incredibly important to your child’s academic performance. Without a healthy sleep schedule, your child’s ability to learn and retain information will be affected. Not only that, but they may also experience behavioral issues, such as irritability and hyperactivity. Summertime often means children’s bedtimes and times they wake up are not consistent. Often these times are far later than they would be during the school year. To fix their sleep schedule, parents can:

• Limit screen time.
• Enforce a set bedtime every night.
• Make sure your child gets 8-12 hours of sleep a night.

If they continue to struggle to sleep or get rest, they may have a sleep disorder.

Maintain a Healthy Diet.

The foods your child consumes are crucial to how they function in school. Children need energy to perform well throughout the school day, and they get energy from the foods they eat. Studies have shown that children who eat a nutritious breakfast every morning do better in school. As a parent, you must make sure the food your child is eating is healthy. Many families qualify for the National School Lunch Program, which is a federally assisted program that ensures children receive healthy lunches for free or at low costs. Although, if you wish to make your child’s lunches on your own, here is a list of healthy lunches you can pack.

Get Regular Pediatric Exams.

When your child is in school, they are often faced with several potentially harmful diseases. It is recommended that they receive a child exam annually to protect them. These exams ensure that:

• Your child is growing and developing properly.
• They don’t have any chronic conditions that can affect their academic performance.
• Doctors can diagnose any allergies.
• Make sure they are up to date on their vaccines.

Your child’s health is important to their overall performance in school. If they are sick or have a chronic condition, these exams can find them to help your child excel.

Create an Open and Safe Home Environment. 

This may seem obvious to some, but your home needs to be a safe haven for your child. It should be a place where they feel comfortable discussing anything with their parents. Children face a lot of fear and anxiety when they first go back to school, especially those going to a new school or starting school for the first time. Be open with them. Don’t be afraid to ask them how they are doing. When they get home from school, ask them how their day went and just listen. Acknowledge their fears and anxiety so you can best help your child with them.

Foster Good Homework and Study Habits. 

Prepare an area in your home designed specifically for your child to study and do their homework. Make it a focus for them to complete their homework every day. Make sure your child knows to ask for help if they are ever struggling. This area should be a consistently quiet spot in your home without any distractions.

The beginning of the school year can be a stressful time for both parents and children. It is important to keep theses necessary back to school tips in mind to ensure that your child functions at their highest level. This will ease the stress of your child as well as your own. If you have any questions or wish to schedule a child exam, contact Tots N Teens Pediatrics.