Get Back-to-School Ready with Affinity Health Group!

The long days of summer are coming to an end, meaning it is time to start preparing your children (and yourselves) for a new school year. While this transition seems to sneak up on even the most well-planned families, Affinity Health Group is here to help!

Back-to-School Tips from our Pediatric Providers!

Adjust yourself and your children to going back to school.

• Talk about school with your kid(s).

It’s normal for people to be anxious about going back to school. Although you might feel some relief that you and your child will be getting back into a routine, recognize that it might not be easy at first for them – or for you. Your pediatrician can give you guidance on ways to best support your child and help them build resilience.

-Ask your child open-ended, positive questions about how they are feeling about school. Instead of “Are you nervous?” try “What are you most excited about?”

-Remember parents set the tone in the household. Expressing extreme stress or fear can affect your children. Try to stay positive and relay consistent messages that a great school-year lies ahead.

• Get back to a routine sleep schedule.

You can avoid some of the back-to-school stress by practicing your daily routine before the first day of school. Set an alarm, practice getting ready, and even practice getting to the bus stop or driving to school.

Knowing what to expect and removing some of the unknown will help to make the back-to-school transition easier on you and your child.

Take Care of Necessary Precautions Early!

• Sports physicals need to be done annually in accordance with LHSAA recommendations.
• School forms such as a Medication Administration form and up-to-date Vaccination Records are typically needed close to the start of the academic year.
• Proof of immunization and/or TB skin tests are typically required for college registration, so high school seniors should see their physicians once they have made a decision on which college to attend to be sure that vaccines are up-to-date.

Create a fun approach to school.

• Prepare fun treats for lunch.

Many packaged snacks for kids are extremely unhealthy. They are often full of refined flour, added sugars, and artificial ingredients. Instead of highly processed snack foods, fill your child’s tummy with whole foods that will provide energy and nutrition. This will provide your child something to look forward to during lunch time while also being fun to enjoy.

Check out our blog on these Dinosaur Fruit Skewers on how to make these sweet prehistoric treats!

• Celebrate the start of a new school year!

Who says the first day of school has to be scary? By celebrating the first day of school, your kids will start off the school year on the right foot with a transition they will enjoy and love. Whether it be something as simple as a special breakfast on the first day, or going all out with a back-to-school party, this day is the stepping stone for the year to come—Make it a great year!