3 tips for back-to-school success

September 1, 2019

Providence Women's Health Team

Whether you and your kids are gearing up for the first day of school, or you have a week or two under your belt, here are tips to make it a good year for the students in your life.

[3 MIN READ]

As summer fades into a fond memory, and you and your kids are preparing for the first few weeks of school, the emotions can run high and things can seem overwhelming. Launch into the year with these three helpful tips.

1. Encourage the homework habit

Set up a special place at home for your child to do homework. Having a designated space makes it easier — and even exciting and enjoyable — for kids to do their assignments. Create a place that is:

Quiet and without distractions
Always in the same location (if possible)
Equipped with plenty of light and supplies
Roomy enough to spread out

Other ways to build the homework habit include:

Make sure there’s enough time to do assignments
Set a rule that all electronics (including TV) are not on during homework time
Supervise internet use if it’s needed for homework
Encourage stretching and short breaks – even basic breathing exercises

Talk with your child’s teacher, about any struggles he or she may have with understanding a particular subject or being able to focus. If focus is an issue, reach out to the school’s counselor or your doctor.

2. Make healthy living a habit, too

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, studies show a strong connection between healthy behaviors and doing well with grades, standardized tests and class attendance. Help support your child in these behaviors:

Health checkups

Your school may require you to provide up-to-date immunizations and shot records. Aside from that, it’s a good idea to have your child get a preventive check-up. Most health plans offer a no-cost preventive screening for children and teens. Learn more.

Healthy eating choices

Research shows that kids do better in school when they eat healthy, balanced breakfasts and lunches. If your child eats at school, check with the school to make sure it follows standards set by the US Department of Agriculture, which says schools must offer healthy choices such as:

Fresh fruit
Low-fat dairy products
Water
100% fruit juice

A healthy way of life

Keep in mind a few simple ways to help your child choose a healthy way of life:

Decide on a bedtime that allows your child plenty of sleep
Encourage exercise and physical activity
Limit screen time (consider using it as a reward for homework and chores)

3. Ease school stress

Just like adults, kids can feel overwhelmed by a busy lifestyle – feeling like there’s too much to do and not enough time to do it. Here are ways to help your child cope with a stressful day:

Stick with family routines. Enjoying a family dinner together — no electronic devices allowed — can help ease stress.
Listen closely to your child. Listen closely to learn what’s causing stress and work with your child to resolve the problem.
Give your child control. When you let your child make certain choices (within reason), they feel like they have more control over life. This can improve your child’s response to stress.

A stressful day or two is hard enough, but sometimes kids are dealing with more than the stress of forgotten homework. Recognize signs of more serious stress in your child:

Increasing withdrawal, unhappiness or depression
Problems in school or relating with friends or family members
Being unable to control impulsive behaviors
Behavior that is not normal for your child, like temper tantrums or extreme anger

If these signs of stress don’t decrease or fade away, get advice from a health care provider, school counselor or therapist. They could be signs that you child is working through much larger challenges.

Some states are starting to recognize the importance of providing mental health days for children.

Some states are starting to recognize the importance of providing mental health days for children. Just as self-care is important to adults, the benefits for children can pay dividends into the next generation.

Be realistic — and optimistic

As you and your child face a new school year together, try to strike a balance between realistic expectations about the year ahead and being optimistic about how things will go for your child. Follow the above tips, provide a safe and dependable home life and build your child's feelings of self-worth by celebrating successes both big and small.

Looking for more information about helping your child with stress and overall health? Talk with a doctor about resources. You can also find a Providence pediatrician by using our provider directory. Or, you can search for a primary care doctor in your area.

Are you and your kids ready for #backtoschool? Share tips with other #womenshealth readers @psjh.

Resources

6 Things That Will Make School Separation Anxiety Easier for Kids--and Parents

Healthy Students Are Better Learners

Health Tips That Will Make You (and Your Child) Ready for School

Time-saving tips for prepping back-to-school lunches

Nutrition Standards for School Meals