BLOOMINGTON – South Region Riley Physicians pediatricians urge parents and guardians to do more than check off their supply list as they prepare for the new school year. From sleep habits to emotional readiness, preparing children for school requires thoughtful planning across physical, mental, and social dimensions.
Some tips may help children from first grade through senior year, including:
- Having healthy, balanced meals
- Minimizing sugar and encouraging water over juice or soda
- Shut off screens an hour before bed and store them outside the bedroom to help with falling asleep, making mornings smoother, and supporting classroom alertness and productivity.
- Having a consistent sleep schedule (10 – 11 hours for elementary schoolers, 9 – 10 hours in middle school, and 8 – 10 hours for high schoolers)
- Annual well visits, even for children not in sports. These appointments help monitor growth and development, ensure immunizations are up to date, and are opportunities to identify and address mental and physical concerns.
- Some medical conditions require medications or treatments at school, which parents need to address with the school before classes begin.
Pediatricians also have suggestions tailored to age groups.
Elementary schoolers: Sleep and routines
“Practice drop-off and pickup routines, have play dates with a classmate, or attend a back-to-school event before school starts to help ease jitters,” said Scot Moore, MD. “Having children help prepare their backpacks and lunches can also encourage independence and good choices.”
Addressing sleep schedules can help with the transition, which is why the pediatrician suggests
Starting to use school bedtimes and wakeup times two weeks before the first day of school.
Middle schoolers: Organization and self-advocacy
“The transition to middle school can bring excitement and stress,” said Audra Kunzman-Mazdzer, MD. “Regular, open conversations at home about friendships, feelings, and challenges build a child’s trust and support.”
Other tips for this age group include:
- Discussions about social media’s potential for negativity and positivity.
- Considering delaying smartphone ownership until at least the end of eighth grade.
- Teaching time management and creating a designated homework space to encourage academic success and independence.
High schoolers: Sleep, stress, and long-term planning
“Teenagers often juggle rigorous academics, extracurriculars, jobs, and social pressures,” said
Bryce McKee, MD. “A successful school year starts with overall readiness.”
“The teen years also have a big focus on social development,” said Maggie Dyer, NP. “Conversations about friendships, dating, respect, and personal boundaries should be ongoing. As teens explore their futures, parents can support goal setting, navigating choices, and more.”
