The Back to School Top 10 List: A Parents’ Survival Guide

Transitioning from the lazy days of summer to school can be challenging for children of all ages. Parents also feel the pain, as schedules fill with sports, tutoring, and other activities. As kids’ anxiety levels rise and impact the family dynamic, parents look for solutions to ease the re-entry process.

Ellen Lestz, MD, a pediatrician with White Plains Hospital Physicians Associates with offices at White Plains Hospital Medical & Wellness in Armonk, NY, sees how back-to-school stress affects her patients each year. “Some kids are eager to go back, but many have concerns about the demands of schoolwork or making friends, or even who their teacher might be,” she says. “That added stress can lower a child’s immune system, making them more susceptible to illness. Then, if a child misses school days because they’re sick, that creates even more stress.”

To help ease the process—for both parents and children—Dr. Lestz offers this helpful to-do list to get everyone ready for back to school.

Top Tips for a Healthy Transition Back to School…

1. Complete all forms for teachers, the school office, and the nurse.

Parents know forms need to be updated, so keep a keen eye on your emails so alerts are not missed. When forms are not submitted, kids won’t receive school schedules or teacher assignments in a timely manner. Also, children are often “benched” from school sports until medical clearances are submitted.

2. Set up well visits and get immunizations before the rush.

Children should have well visits with their pediatrician each year. Set reminders in your phone or calendar so that you know when new appointments are needed. The period before school starts is often very busy at physician’s offices, so being ahead of the pack will reduce stress. Also, check with your child’s school to see if any new vaccines are required and to ensure your child’s immunizations are up to date.

3. Give necessary medications to the school nurse.

If your child needs access to regular medications, including but not limited to an epi-pen, asthma inhalers, Benadryl, and Tylenol, provide those to the school nurse before the first day. For the safety of your own child and others, don’t send children to school with their own supply of pain relievers or other medications.

4. Finish school supply shopping early.

Print out supply lists early and purchase a few items each week. Get your child excited for the new school year by letting them select their own folders, backpacks, notebooks, and planners.

5. Complete all summer reading and homework assignments.

Many schools require a community reading project, while others assign homework over the summer. Help your child schedule the work so that it doesn’t diminish their enjoyment of summer. It’s important for children to have unscheduled down time to relax, so help them balance both.

6. Set up “after school” activities without overscheduling!

With all of the wonderful activities available to children today, it’s tempting to take on too much. Ask your child to identify their top activities, and then create a schedule to determine what’s realistic for you both. Factor in study time and down time, too.

7. Create a school sleep/wake schedule.

Check with your pediatrician to determine the correct amount of sleep for your child’s age group. Two weeks before school starts, begin gradually adjusting your child’s bedtime and wake time. Stick to the schedule during the school year. To encourage sleep, limit evening screen time, and encourage relaxing activities, like bath time and reading.

8. Safeguard physical and emotional well being.

From making smart, nutritious choices in the lunchroom, to making sound choices when spending time with friends, discuss key health and safety issues. Be sure to address topics like healthy friendships and bullying, and talk to your child about how to advocate for themselves with teachers, the principal, the nurse, other parents, and friends.

9. Set expectations for back to school sports.

Address issues like safety and sportsmanship. Do a pre-season equipment check to make sure gear is safe, clean, current, and still fits, including helmets, cleats, pads, etc.

10. Address learning issues early.

Parents may want to set up a separate meeting with the teacher/school district to discuss any concerns such as learning issues, special help (504/IEP), anxiety in their child, or other important matters that should be brought to the school’s attention.

Photo: Getty Images, kali9