As the school year begins, every family wants their children to be healthy, active and ready to learn.
To prepare children and teens to be at their best – physically, mentally, socially and emotionally – the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends regular visits with the pediatrician, as well as immunizations that help keep all family members healthy.
“School plays a huge role in the development of children and teens and is about much more than academics,” said pediatrician Elizabeth Hawse, MD, FAAP. “Families can partner with pediatricians and the schools to help students thrive and succeed alongside their classmates.”
The AAP offers 10 tips on giving children their best chances for success this school year.
- Take a sleep score! How many hours does your child sleep each night? Check this chart for recommendations: Healthy Sleep Habits: How Many Hours Does Your Child Need? - HealthyChildren.org
- When was their last checkup? If it’s been more than 12 months, schedule a well visit. If they plan to play a sport, your pediatrician can complete the required pre-participation sports physical paperwork as part of the same visit. And if your child takes medication at school, your pediatrician can go over your child's treatment plan and update instructions.
- Make a plan to get your child the annual flu vaccine and the updated Covid vaccine. These should be available in September; set a calendar reminder to call your pediatrician. Depending on their age, children and teens may be eligible for other vaccines, too.
- Do a mental health check-in with your child or teen. Let them know it's OK to talk with you about how they're feeling. A walk or car ride can be a good time to have this conversation. It doesn’t have to take very long; a few words to let your teen know you care about their mental health can make an impact.
- Some children are absent from school because of racism, hate or bullying. Talk with your child and encourage them to seek help from a trusted adult if they are discriminated against or witness an act of bullying or discrimination against others.
- School attendance is important. Missing just two days a month of school―for any reason― can be a problem for kids in a number of ways. If a chronic illness is keeping your child out of school, discuss the situation with your pediatrician and your school. There may be ways to better support their health so they can benefit from regular school attendance.
- Avoid the harried morning-time rush by helping your child choose a favorite outfit the night before school. Organize backpacks and pack lunches together in advance.
- Do a screen reset. The change in routine is a good time to create or update your family media plan so you can help your child balance screen time with sleep, exercise and other healthy activities. Help them choose high-quality programs or games and recognize and avoid false information sources online. Learn more here: Kids & Screen Time: How to Use the 5 C's of Media Guidance.
- What is your sick day plan? It’s typical for some kids to get multiple colds during the school year. Children should stay home if they have fever above 101 degrees Fahrenheit within the past 24 hours; episodes of vomiting or diarrhea; or if they are not well enough to participate in class. Good handwashing is important to prevent illness.
- If your child has a chronic health issue such as asthma, allergies or seizures, talk with your pediatrician about developing a school action plan. Meet with and get to know the nurse at your child's school.
“Your pediatrician is there for you,” Dr. Hawse said. “Don’t be afraid to ask questions. As a part of your child’s team, your pediatrician can offer recommendations and advocate to best meet your child’s needs.”
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The American Academy of Pediatrics is an organization of 67,000 primary care pediatricians, pediatric medical subspecialists and pediatric surgical specialists dedicated to the health, safety and well-being of infants, children, adolescents and young adults.