Helping Kids Thrive in Mind and Body this School Year

As the long days of summer come to an end, the excitement and nerves of a new school year begin to build. Back-to-school time comes with many changes—new teachers, new routines and new opportunities to grow.

Annual Checkups 

Around back-to-school time, TriHealth pediatricians start seeing many patients for their annual checkup. These visits are more than just paperwork for sports clearance—they’re a vital opportunity to check on your child’s physical, emotional and developmental health. It gives patients a chance to make sure immunizations are up to date, growth and development are on track, and any chronic conditions like asthma or ADHD are being properly managed before school begins.

Easing Back into School Routines 

Back-to-school season also gives pediatricians an opportunity to talk about certain aspects of child wellness that often fall out of balance during the summer, such as sleep, nutrition and screen time. I encourage families to begin easing into school year routines a few weeks prior to going back to school.

• Sleep — A consistent bedtime and adequate sleep have a positive impact on students, helping them return to school rested, focused and ready to learn on day one.

• Nutrition — Adequate and balanced nutrition have a meaningful effect on children’s mood and energy. Optimizing their nutrition in the weeks prior to the start of school can help kids’ academic performance and ability to learn. 

• Screen Time — Excessive screen time inhibits children’s ability to develop age appropriate social and communication skills. Kids with excessive screen time show more moodiness, isolation and depression. It is recommended that children have less than 2 hours of screen time a day.

Back-to-School Mental Health 

Additionally, mental health has become an increasingly important part of conversations in pediatrics. Periods of change, such as the start of a new school year, can bring anxiety about a number of things including grades, friends or adjusting to a new environment.

During the annual well child visit, pediatricians screen for signs of stress, depression and anxiety. Doctors work with parents to help identify mental health concerns while also guiding parents in their effort to support their child’s emotional well-being. Open dialogue between caregivers, teachers and pediatricians can create a safety net for students who are struggling. Furthermore, TriHealth pediatric offices are equipped with mental health providers who can teach children and parents skills to navigate stressful situations. These behavioral health consultants serve each pediatric office as a short term, problem-based therapist. They can address anxiety, depression, inattention and more on a short-term basis, all while helping families find a long-term provider in the community to address ongoing needs. 

Article provided by Katherine Broering, MD, pediatrician. located at TriHealth Group Health Mason.

Avoiding Common Back-to-School Illness 

Back-to-school also brings with it a wave of communicable illness. Most commonly pediatricians see a number of viral illnesses which can produce a variety of symptoms—cough, congestion, fever, vomiting, diarrhea, body aches and more. Regular handwashing can help prevent the spread of these illnesses. It is recommended that kids wash their hands prior to and after going to school, in addition to before and after meals or snacks. Furthermore, it is important to keep your child home from school if they are not well to prevent the spread of germs. If your child has a fever (>100.4F), vomiting, diarrhea, or excessive cough, they should stay home.

Seamless Health Care for All Stages of Childhood 

Ultimately, back to school time is a season of change and a student’s physical, emotional and mental health all play a role in their success. Pediatricians are here to partner with families to ensure a smooth transition and support them in anything from lunchtime nutrition to mental health difficulties. Here’s to a healthy, safe and successful new school year!