Back-to-school preparation: More to getting ready than shopping

New clothes, backpacks, lunchboxes, markers, pencils, and binders are items that top back to school lists for many parents. Even though shopping might keep them especially busy when preparing for the beginning of a new school year, preparation should not begin and end in stores.

Whether their summer was jam-packed with activities or filled with complaints about being bored with nothing to do, children often have a tough time making the back-to-school transition. Dr. Amy Stevens, a primary care physician at The University of Tennessee Medical Center offers some tips on school and family life to help parents take a more active role in the education of their children.

Stevens explains parents should follow cues to determine how much interaction works for both parent and child.

“No matter what the child’s age, volunteering at school is a great way for parents to be more involved in their education,” said Stevens. “While some kids like to see their parents at school or school events, others may feel embarrassed by their parents’ presence.”

Stevens offers the following advice to help ease back-to-school butterflies and transition children into a consistent school-night routine a few weeks before school starts:

“Get enough sleep. Establish a reasonable bedtime so that they’ll be well-rested and ready to learn in the morning.”

“Eat a healthy breakfast consisting of foods that are rich in whole grains, fiber, and protein, as well as low in added sugar.”

“Write down the need-to-know info to help them remember details such as their locker combination, what time classes and lunch start and end, their homeroom and classroom numbers, teachers’ and/or bus drivers’ names, etc.”

“Have them organize and set out what they need the night before. Teaching organizational skills helps kids learn to prioritize tasks and manage time.”

Stevens says although it’s normal to be anxious in any new situation, a few kids develop real physical symptoms, such as headaches or stomachaches, associated with the start of school.

“If you’re concerned that your child’s worries go beyond the normal back-to-school jitters, speak with your child’s doctor, teacher, or school counselor,” said Stevens.

For additional information on children’s health, or any health-related topic, contact the Health Information Center at UTMC at 865.305.9525. Staffed by medical librarians and certified health information specialists, the Health Information Center offers an extensive health library, digital and print resources, walk-in assistance, and help with research on specific health conditions – all free of charge and available to the public.