DEAR MAYO CLINIC: We’re getting three kids in grade school and high school ready for the new school year. Do you have any tips for us?

ANSWER: From shopping for clothes and supplies to scheduling well-child examinations to planning for healthy eating and adequate sleep, the back-to-school list of tasks for parents may feel daunting. Here are some tips to help you and your children prepare for the new school year.

Schedule well-child examinations

Well-child examinations are a cornerstone of health care for children of all ages. These checkups are essential for monitoring your child’s growth and development, catching potential health issues early and ensuring they are physically and mentally prepared for school.

During a well-child examination, the health care team will:

Your tween’s or teen’s exam will also include the health and wellness issues they’re facing. These include nutrition, exercise, school performance, screen time, social media, safety at home and school, puberty, safe sex practices, relationships, and mental health.

Follow up on vaccinations

Vaccinations play a critical role in protecting children from various infectious diseases. Illnesses can quickly spread, so ensuring your child is current on vaccinations is vital.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and health care professionals recommend these vaccinations:

Talk with your health care team about your state’s immunization policies for school attendance.

Keep tabs on nutrition and exercise

A balanced diet is fundamental to a child’s physical and cognitive development. Proper nutrition helps children maintain energy levels, concentrate better in school and support overall growth and development. Children require different amounts of nutrients based on their age.

Follow these nutrition tips for your family:

Regular exercise promotes mental and physical health. Research has shown a 20% reduction in mental health issues in teens participating in competitive sports.

Promote good sleep habits

Adequate sleep is crucial for a child’s overall well-being, affecting everything from their mood to their ability to learn and retain information. Children who don’t get enough sleep are more likely to experience attention problems, behavioral issues and poor academic performance.

Tips for ensuring adequate sleep include:

Address bullying

Bullying is a serious issue that can significantly affect a child’s mental and emotional health. It occurs far too often nationwide in elementary, junior high and high schools and can be instigated online. Parents and guardians must take bullying seriously and teach their children ways to address bullies productively, including:

It’s crucial to emotionally support and reassure your child. If needed, consider professional counseling to help them cope with the effects of bullying.

Create a positive start to the school year

Preparing for the new school year involves more than buying school supplies and updating the calendar with activities. It’s also about prioritizing your child’s health and well-being to ensure their success and happiness. Remember that focusing on screens is not a healthy habit, and scrolling is not soothing.

By scheduling well-child examinations, keeping vaccinations up to date, providing balanced nutrition, ensuring adequate sleep, addressing bullying and modeling these habits yourself, you can help your child have a healthy, productive and successful school year.

—Christina Andrist, D.O., Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, Albert Lea, Minnesota

(Mayo Clinic Q & A is an educational resource and doesn’t replace regular medical care. This Mayo Clinic Q&A represents inquiries this healthcare expert has received from patients. For more information, visit www.mayoclinic.org.)

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