August 2019

With the end of summer approaching, it’s time to get you and your kids ready for school. Your family can start the school year in the right way by adding a few key items to your summer to-do list.

Get physical. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends scheduling your children’s annual physicals before the summer ends. This way, you can make sure that all their vaccines are up to date and that you’re ready to knock out any school-required forms for sports and extracurricular activities.

Set a schedule. Approximately two weeks before the school term starts, get back on schedule with regular meals and bedtimes. This can help ease your kids back into the school routine and reduce stress for the whole family.

Plan a rehearsal. It’s very common for kids to be apprehensive about starting a new school year. That’s why the AAP recommends attending back-to-school nights and orientations to help your kids familiarize themselves with new teachers and classrooms. You can also encourage your kids to rehearse any situations that may be making them nervous — whether it’s talking to new kids, asking teachers for help, or figuring out how to stay organized and maintain good study habits.

Get packing. You can also do your part to protect your kid’s backs from undue strain. The AAP recommends choosing a padded backpack with wide shoulder straps, reminding your kids to always wear both straps, and teaching them to organize and clean out their bag regularly so it doesn’t become too heavy.