Checking In With Kids Going Back to School

• Sit down and have a conversation about any changes that will be happening this school year
• If your child is meeting the bus in a new location, visit the bus stop with them a few times before the first day of school
• Changing buildings this year? Checking out the school and walking from one class to another may be helpful.

• About two weeks before school starts, gradually move your child’s bedtime and wake up time back to what they will be during the school year. Try starting with a 15-minute change a day.
• School is just one part of the day; sit down and create a schedule for school days together. Talk through expectations for mornings and after school. Once you agree on that, you can start implementing it a few weeks before school starts to get into the habit.

• Have a place designated for your child to work on homework, keep school materials, etc.
• Include your child in picking out supplies, choosing a spot and deciding where to put things away. This helps them learn organizational skills.
• Keep the school calendar on your radar to help you plan ahead. Also, you can use it throughout the year to notice how it may be related to your child’s mood and emotional changes. For instance, you may notice your child has increased anxiety at the end of the semester.

• Ask your child what their goals are for the school year. Help them create a plan and strategies for achieving those goals.
• Discuss your child’s concerns and excitement about the upcoming school year
• Develop a plan with your child about when and how to ask for help when they need it. This can be school staff or peers, depending on the child’s concerns.
• Remind them of your rules and expectations. For example, is your rule that homework be done before screen time?

• Feeling connected to their school is shown to be positive for children’s mental health (CDC, 2022). You can support school connectedness by showing interest in their teachers and school activities.
• Meet their teachers at the start of the school year and talk about your child’s goals, strengths, and areas of growth
• Take note of school events for families and add them to your calendar. Showing up to events increases children’s feelings of support and connection to their school.
• Encourage your child to get involved in activities outside of schoolwork. Look at the school website together to see what clubs and sports are offered or meet with the school counselor.

Make sure your vaccine records and sports physicals are up to date. Routine check-ups are important. Need a pediatrician? Find one today. Pro tip: Just enter your ZIP code or city under location to easily find providers near you.