New school supplies, clothes and a haircut are on the minds of most parents and kids this time of year, but that’s not all that should be on the back-to-school checklist.
For a healthy school year, Atrium Health Levine Children’s pediatricians in the Triad and the American Academy of Pediatrics offer the following tips:
Ease Back Into a Sleep Schedule
Progressively ease kids into an earlier bedtime and an earlier wake-up time - even just 5 to 10 minutes earlier each night - a few weeks before school starts. Staying active during the day, having a calming bedtime routine that includes reading books together, avoiding sugar- and caffeine-laden snacks prior to bedtime and limiting late-afternoon naps can also help.
Immunizations
North Carolina law requires children to receive certain vaccines. Immunization records are checked upon entering childcare, kindergarten, seventh grade and college.
Establish Homework Habits
Designate a “homework spot” that is quiet, organized and free of distractions and that offers an area to sit and a clean surface to write on. Family dinners are a great time to discuss with children what they learned that day in school.
Healthy Meal Options
Keep quick, healthy meal options on hand - whole-grain breads and cold cereals, oatmeal, yogurt, cottage cheese, fruit - to ensure a healthy start to the day. Healthy lunch options can include vegetables, fruits, dairy products, lean meats and whole grains that will help keep energy and attention high through the afternoon.
Medications and Medical Conditions
Children who regularly take medication at school must bring a completed authorization form to be administered there. Often these forms must be signed by a child’s medical provider and can be completed at their physical. It is important to keep schools informed about any potentially serious medical conditions children may have.
General Health
A yearly physical gives parents and children an opportunity to discover and discuss current and potential health problems or concerns with a medical provider. All new children to North Carolina schools, including kindergartners, must have a medical provider complete a health assessment form and return it to their school. Children participating in school sports also need a yearly physical. The best place to have this completed is with the child’s regular medical provider. You can also check with your child’s school system for guidance on fulfilling this requirement.
Helping your children be their best can be hard work. Our pediatricians in the Triad are here to help - all the way from kindergarten to high school graduation and beyond. Learn more about our pediatrics services and find a pediatrician near you.