Back to School Tips from a Pediatrician Mom

Back to school tips from a pediatrician mom

Summer isn’t over yet, but back to school is top of mind for most parents. And with the back to school transition comes lots of emotions and plenty of to-dos. Here are some tips to get prepared while still enjoying the remaining summer days ahead!

1. Tackle emotions head on

Starting a new school year is an emotional experience for every kid, no matter what grade they’re going into. All children are different, with different levels of anxiety and different ways of expressing it. It’s safe to assume for all kids, though, that there are plenty of nerves and excitement. So keep an open dialogue, checking in early and often. Try not to make assumptions, either– we often think we know what worries are at play, but by asking questions and patiently awaiting honest answers, we may find our kids are nervous about something else.

2. Don’t forget your own check in!

The new school year is emotional for new parents, too! I know it’s stressful personally, and my blood pressure always rises as we enter this transitional time. With the pressures of getting everything ready logistically come the big feelings of seeing your kid enter a new chapter of their childhood. If you’re feeling sad, anxious, nostalgic, overstressed, or some combination, that’s totally normal.

3. Don’t overstress about the to-dos

These days, the list of tasks to complete before your kid enters their new classroom seems never ending. And while it’s true that the amount of logistical prep work is growing, it doesn’t mean your stress has to grow alongside it. You’ll do your best to get all the supplies your kid needs, and remember as many of those themed school days and events as you can. Take perfection off the table and know that by doing your best you’re already on a path towards success.

4. Limit social media

The back-to-school lists, tips, tricks, and photos can be completely overwhelming– I know they are for me! So limiting the amount of time you spend online can be extremely helpful as those first day of school photo shoots and posts inundate your feed.

5. Don’t forget about vaccines!

Back to school = back to germs. We’ve had plenty of colds and stomach bugs this summer, but it’s unfortunately only about to get worse. The fall and winter seasons are almost always the germiest, so make sure your little ones are up to date on all of their scheduled childhood immunizations. What’s more, covid and flu peaks are around the corner, so planning on getting those seasonal shots in early autumn (September or October) is a winning strategy.

6. Remember your bedtime routine

Summer is fun and relaxed, and chances are your kid’s bedtime routine has gotten later and looser. No need to cut summer schedules off early, but it’s a good idea to plan on shifting bedtime back towards normal a few days (at least) before the school year starts, if possible.