As the lazy days of summer wind down, the United States Census Bureau reports that about 54.1 million children head to their first day of K–12 class every fall. Millions more attend preschools and college. If your child is one of them, providing back-to-school support can help them become physically, emotionally and mentally prepared for a successful academic year.
“Returning to school comes with new school supplies, clothing, lunch boxes and backpacks for kids,” says Dr. Sherry Huang, a pediatrician and Assistant Professor of Clinical Pediatrics at Weill Cornell Medicine. “It can also bring fears and uncertainty. Being there for your student makes those first few days a smoother process.”
This guide can help you support your child’s health and wellness during this transition, tailored to their specific age group.
Pre-K, Kindergarten and Elementary School
Transitioning to a structured school environment is a significant milestone for young children.
- Validate their challenges and encourage them to embrace new ones. To prevent exhaustion and meltdowns in the early weeks, understand your child's concerns and practice strategies to address them.
- Establish good sleep habits in advance. To help young children manage emotions for school, establish consistent sleep habits early. Create a calming bedtime routine with soothing activities — like bathtime or reading together — and aim for the same sleep schedule daily for a sense of stability. Keep their bedroom dark, cool, quiet and screen-free to improve sleep quality.
- Instill good hygiene practices. Young children are often exposed to new germs in the classroom, so spend time practicing washing their hands with soap for at least 20 seconds. Make it fun by singing a song together, and remind them to wash up before and after eating and after playing outside.
Middle School
Middle school introduces shifting social dynamics, multiple teachers and increased academic responsibilities. Set middle schoolers up for success with the following tips:
- Initiate a school prep checklist. Help your student prepare by encouraging them to rebuild a routine, check on their summer assignments and reach out to their classmates to get ready for classes to begin.
- Choose a lightweight, supportive backpack that fits your child. Select one that features two broad, padded shoulder straps, a cushioned back and a waist belt or chest strap to distribute weight evenly, along with compartments to help organize and balance the load.
- Anticipate avoidance. As a parent, you should anticipate some anxiety and avoidance regarding the return to school. Make sure to ask your child how they are feeling.
- Identify bullying concerns. Be proactive by checking in with your child about bullying and helping them identify trusted adults they can connect with at school.
- Teach productive coping mechanisms. Students should also be encouraged to practice coping mechanisms and focus on what they can control.
- Plan activities outside of school. To balance the stress of these major emotional and academic transitions, prioritize active outings for kids on the weekends. A family bike ride, a trip to the local park or a nature hike can naturally relieve stress and keep them physically active away from screens.
High School
High schoolers face intense pressures, from academic performance to extracurricular commitments. Supporting high schoolers through their challenges requires a proactive approach from parents.
“Being present and engaged in your teen's life helps you understand their struggles so they feel safe to express themselves,” says Dr. Andrea Temkin-Yu, assistant attending psychologist and assistant professor of psychology in Clinical Psychiatry at Weill Cornell Medicine. “Provide a supportive environment where they feel seen and heard.”
Here are some effective ways to provide support and stay engaged and informed about their needs:
- Ask your teen about their worries to help them feel heard.
- Correct any misinformation they might have regarding academic or social pressures.
- Monitor behaviors and anxieties by consulting with teachers, social workers or guidance counselors if you notice concerning changes.
- Learn about your child's school's safety procedures to stay informed.
- Meal prep together as a family on Sundays to promote healthy eating during the school week and open communication.
- Create a conducive study environment by organizing their study space, offering homework help and sharing study tips.
College
As your young adult prepares to embark on their college journey, it's essential to transition from hands-on parenting to a supportive coaching role. To help them stay healthy and thrive in this new environment, consider the following key steps:
- Schedule annual check-ups with their primary care physician prior to departure.
- Ensure that immunizations are up to date and physicals are completed.
- Arrange for any necessary prescription refills before they leave home.
- Encourage them to take ownership of their daily schedules, including sleep, nutrition and exercise routines.
- Discuss how they will handle medical appointments or illnesses like the cold or flu while away from home.
- Help them locate the campus health center for future reference.
In Summary: Back-to-School Tips for All Ages
No matter what grade your child is entering this fall, a strong support system is the foundation for a healthy school year. To help your child thrive, consider the following general strategies:
- Stay positive. Praise any efforts — big or small — that your child makes to manage their anxiety.
- Communicate clearly. Correct misinformation and educate your child on the specific procedures in place to protect and support them.
- Plan ahead. Identify and create a support plan with your child before the school year gets overwhelming to help them build a strong support network.
By combining these emotional support strategies with healthy physical habits, you can help create a thriving, successful school year for your entire family.
Want to support your student even more? Find a doctor at Weill Cornell Medicine and schedule a wellness visit today.
