Tips to get ready to return to school

The beginning of a new school year is almost upon us, but there’s still time to get ready for the big day. Here are a few tips to help your family prepare.

Routine matters

Whether your child is excited to see school friends again or is feeling a little anxious, children thrive on routines. Setting a consistent time to wake up and go to bed each day before school starts will help your child begin the adjustment before classes begin.

To help avoid potential sleeping difficulties, SleepFoundation.org recommends encouraging children to avoid the following in the hour before bedtime:

• TVs;

• Computers and laptops;

• Cellphones; • Handheld video game devices; and

• Other electronics that emit blue light

Dealing with first-day jitters

If your child is feeling nervous about returning to school, it’s important to be supportive. Talk to your child about his or her concerns and acknowledge the child’s feelings.

According to the Child Mind Institute, kids often want to be able to talk about something upsetting to them without expecting parents to fix the concerns. Parents should validate their child’s feelings and demonstrate confidence that kids can handle the situation. Try not to ask questions that suggest you expect kids to be anxious. And check in with them — some good times are when you’re driving in the car, eating a meal or spending time together.

You also can talk about what to expect or you can visit the school or attend a school open house so that your child is familiar with the campus. If your child is still anxious after several days you may wish to speak to your pediatrician or family medicine provider.

Avoid the morning rush

Preparing lunches and getting backpacks ready to go the night before can help alleviate morning stress. Kids might also like to choose their outfits the night before, so they’re ready to go first thing in the morning. If you’re stumped on what to pack for lunch, there are plenty of online resources with healthy meal ideas for any child — from the adventurous to the picky eater.

And don’t forget breakfast. If you don’t have time to prepare breakfast in the mornings, keep some healthy options on hand, like granola, yogurt and fresh fruit which kids can grab and go. You also can prepare breakfast foods over the weekend to keep on hand and heat up quickly in the mornings as another option. Whatever works best for your family, go for a breakfast that is low on sugar and high in protein.

What’s the plan for after school?

To help children understand what happens after the school day, discuss what that plan may be. Will they be a car rider, walking home or taking the bus? Will they stay with a caregiver until you get home or go to an afterschool program? Letting your child know what to expect can help ease some of his or her concerns.

Also, discuss with your children who is allowed to pick them up from school in the event of an emergency or medical appointment. Your school should have this information but your child needs to be aware and informed.

About Siloam Springs Regional Hospital

Siloam Springs Regional Hospital is a licensed 73-bed facility with 42 private patient rooms. It is accredited by the State of Arkansas Department of Health Services and The Joint Commission. Some services include inpatient and outpatient surgery, emergency medicine, medical, surgical and intensive care units, obstetrics, outpatient diagnostic services and inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation. With more than 50 physicians on the medical staff, Siloam Springs Regional Hospital provides compassionate, customer-focused care. SSRH is an affiliate of Northwest Health, the largest health system in Northwest Arkansas. Siloam Springs Regional Hospital is located at 603 N. Progress Ave. in Siloam Springs. For more information, visit NorthwestHealth.com.