Summer feels short all of a sudden ... no longer an endless stretch of possibilities. We're all starting to anticipate the kids' return to school ...

 

In between getting in that last trip to the beach (or that last project at camp), this is a good time to start getting kids ready for their school year. Shopping for backpacks - and new sneakers (!) - is fun, but getting kids back into their school year routine is also important. 

 

Healthy eating definitely helps performance. Generally 3-4 small meals per day, including a protein and high fiber fruits & veg whenever possible, are best. And lots of water! Encourage your teen to make time for breakfast before school; it's harder to focus if you're hungry!

 

Daily exercise (at least an hour per day) helps little kids manage their high energy levels and helps big kids manage their stress levels. Keep screen time to less than two hrs per day, so that it doesn't interfere with exercise & outdoor time.

 

Good sleep is key to managing this transition between summer & school. Many kids start to stay up late and sleep late in the summer, which is fun at camp - but doesn't work well for school. The best way to 'reset' to a school schedule is to start by modifying their wake-up time. Get them up earlier in the morning - consistently. Most people can adjust by one hour every few days without undue discomfort - even teens! Bedtime should then be adjusted earlier each day, to match. It's important to be very consistent with the wake-up times and bedtimes in those last few weeks before school starts. The first week of school is always a bit tiring - new experiences always are - but will be much easier to manage on a full night's sleep!

 

Almost all kids I see are a bit nervous about their return to school each fall, even if they love going to school. That anxiety can be mitigated by talking about the experience and their feelings in advance (and through the first few weeks) and by visiting the school (even just playing on the playground over the summer) in advance. Read back to school books with your little ones, and take advantage of any open houses and orientations offered. Reassure your child that the experience will be positive. They have so much to look forward to, as the school year starts!

 

And of course if you anticipate any medical needs as your child starts school (physical exams, sports clearance, medication refills, required immunization updates), do call your pediatrician as soon as possible! We would be happy to help.