It happens every year. Kids nervously await receiving their new class lists with a feeling of excitement to reunite with friends who they haven’t seen all summer. But by falling out of standard routines during the summer months and the all-too-common sense of nerves that seem to overwhelm many kids, it can sometimes be challenging for students to transition back into their healthy school year habits once the doors to the classrooms open back up. We talked to a handful of Atrium Health and Atrium Health Levine Children’s experts to gather the best advice for easing students from grade school to college age back into healthy school year routines:
(1) Back-to-School Tips for Keeping Kids Healthy
Getting your kids ready for school this fall goes beyond preparing them for the first day. From getting the right amount of sleep to eating the right foods, we asked five Atrium Health Levine Children’s pediatricians to share how you can set your child up for a healthy, successful year.
(2) College-Bound? Here’s How to Ensure Your Growing Young Adult Stays Healthy
They grow up so fast! As the parent of a high school graduate, you want to ensure your child is as healthy as possible before leaving for college. Most schools require a medical history and an immunization record. So before sending your college-bound student off this fall, make sure they are up-to-date on their immunizations and vaccines and be sure to schedule a physical exam.
(3) When Back-to-School Jitters Become Anxiety
The new school year can be exciting for a lot of kids but sometimes, back-to-school jitters turn into back-to-school anxiety. Crystal Bullard, MD, a child and adolescent psychiatrist at Atrium Health, urges parents to expect some back-to-school anxiety, to prepare for it and to recognize when anxiety may require additional help.
(4) 5 Ways to Set Your Child Up for School Success
From homework to after-school activities, the school year keeps kids (and parents) busy. With so much going on, it’s a good idea to encourage your child to take up habits that will keep them healthy and successful all year long. Josh Martin, MD, of Charlotte Pediatric Clinic - SouthPark, shares 5 tips to set your child up for school success.
(5) Better Bedtime: Are Your Kids Getting Quality Sleep?
Maintaining a healthy sleep schedule is among the most important of things to focus on when transitioning your child back into a healthy routine for the school year. Dharmesh Suratwala, MD, a pediatric sleep specialist at Atrium Health’s Levine Children’s Sleep Medicine, shares the recommended amount of sleep needed for your child and provides tips to ensure your child is getting the right amount of sleep in order to excel in school.
Helping your children be their best can be hard work. Our pediatricians are here to help – all the way from kindergarten to high school graduation and beyond. Learn more about our pediatrics services and find a doctor near you.