AAP publishes 12 tips to prepare children for back-to-school season
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Key takeaways:
- The AAP published 12 tips to prepare students to return to school, including several that focus on mental health.
- The tips also address in-classroom and physical needs.
The AAP published a list of 12 tips to prepare children for back-to-school season, including several that focus on mental health.
"Children can do their part by committing to get adequate sleep, nutritious food and activity — the basics that will keep them healthy,” the AAP said in a news release, then gave more detailed tips for parents, covering everything from start-of-school-year checkups to drop-off supervision.
The first tip reminds parents to schedule a back-to-school physical if their child has not had a well visit in the past year. Other tips focus on social media use and creating a homework-friendly environment. Several tips emphasize the importance of mental health.
“It’s common for children to have a few jitters about those first few days back to school or in class with a new teacher or classmates,” Sara Bode, MD, FAAP, chair of the AAP Council on School Health, said in the release. “This may happen at any age. Families can reassure their child that others feel the same way. It might help to rehearse heading into the new situation. You can ask your child or teen what they are worried about and help them problem-solve ways to master the new situation.”
Additional advice for parents includes making it “safe for your child to discuss tough issues.”
“Children often avoid talking about touchy subjects, especially if they expect to be judged, lectured or punished,” the tip says. “If you haven't already made this clear, affirm that your child can tell you anything. Emphasize that these conversations will take place in a judgment-free zone and really listen to what your child is saying.”
The AAP suggested that parents speak with a teacher if their child is struggling with a particular subject, and contact a pediatrician if they notice changes in their child’s mental or behavioral health.
“Look for any notable changes in sleep, weight, eating habits or other everyday patterns. Your pediatrician is here to help,” the tip says.
Parents should encourage children to eat breakfast with protein in the morning, provide proper supervision for morning drop off and make sure students get enough sleep each night, the AAP said.
“Families can help children adjust to earlier bedtimes a week or two before the new school year starts, just to help them ease into new routines,” Bode said. “Most of all, you’ll want to focus on the fun, the friendships and the adventure of starting another school year.”
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