Back-to-school 101
Parkland providers offer tips for a successful school year
Although it may feel like summer just started, students in Dallas County are returning to school. What can be exciting for many school-aged children can be a stressful time for others. To ease the back-to-school transition, Parkland Health providers offered the following tips to prepare students and parents for a successful start to the new school year.
Tip 1 – Establish sleep routines. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) states that getting enough sleep is critical for success in school. Insufficient sleep is associated with lower academic achievement, as well as higher rates of absenteeism and tardiness. “The optimal amount of sleep for children and teens ranges from eight to 12 continuous hours,” said Donna Persaud, MD, Board-Certified Pediatrician and Medical Director of Parkland’s Homeless Outreach Medical Services (HOMES). “Weeks before the start of the school year, parents should encourage their kids to go to bed at the same time each night. We also recommend avoiding any activity that stimulates the brain, like using electronics or listening to lyric-heavy music, at least an hour before bedtime.”
Tip 2 – Make sure your child has a physical exam. During physicals, pediatricians can ensure children have all required vaccinations and test for vision or hearing problems, high blood pressure, diabetes, and other health risks. If your child is an athlete, providers can also address sports-specific issues like nutrition and injury prevention.
Tip 3 – Make sure all vaccinations are up to date. Before entering kindergarten, Texas students are required to have been vaccinated for Diphtheria/Tetanus/Pertussis; Polio; Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR); Hepatitis B; Varicella; and Hepatitis A. “Vaccines protect against serious and life-threatening infections,” Dr. Persaud said. “When children are not vaccinated, they are at increased risk; when enough children are not vaccinated, outbreaks can occur, causing widespread illness and loss of school days. This is particularly important with the resurgence of measles across Texas and other parts of the country.” Parkland’s network of neighborhood-based health centers offers immunizations during scheduled physical exams and without appointments during Walk-in-Wednesdays.
Tip 4 – Back-to-school jitters are normal. “It’s important to remind our children that they are not alone,” said Jeanette Dominguez, LPC, Lead Mental Health Counselor at Parkland. “Many students, no matter the age, are uneasy about the first days of school. Remind your child it takes time to adjust to a new routine and a new environment.”
Tip 5 – Talk to your kids about bullying and cyberbullying. Bullying can be physical, verbal or social and can happen anywhere – in person or through an electronic device. “Make sure your children know that bullying is not okay and help them understand what to do if they experience it,” Dominguez said. Parents can teach their children to stand their ground in a respectful, calm and clear voice. “If speaking up does not seem safe, teach your kids to walk away and find an adult who can help handle the situation.” If parents discover their child is the perpetrator, experts recommend addressing the problem immediately. “Parents should establish that bullying behavior is not acceptable, and that such behavior has consequences. The next step is to find out why your child chose to bully another child in order to develop the correct plan of discipline.”
Tip 6 – Travel safely. “It’s important to teach kids to be cautious while traveling to and from school,” said Courtney Edwards, DNP, MPH, RN, CCRN, CEN, TCRN, NEA-BC, Director of Trauma Community Outreach in the Rees-Jones Trauma Center at Parkland. “Whether they’re in a car or on a school bus, remind your kids to always buckle up. If they ride bikes, helmets are a must. Another important rule – be aware of your surroundings. If you’re walking, biking or driving, always look both ways before crossing at intersections.”
Tip 7 – A healthy diet is essential. Children who eat a nutritious breakfast do better in school and have better concentration and more energy, suggests the AAP. “It’s important to make sure your child eats breakfast every day,” said Melissa Mendez, a Registered Dietitian at Parkland’s Hatcher Station Health Center. “Although your child's school serves meals, your child may not like the options. It is important to ask your children if and what they eat at school. If your child does not eat at school, make sure they have a well- balanced breakfast at home and a healthy packed lunch in an insulated pack. A well-balanced meal will include a fruit, a vegetable, a lean protein, 1-2 whole grain items, and 8 oz. of skim milk.” In addition, Mendez reminds parents to “be sure to pack your child a refillable water bottle that they can drink from throughout the day.”
Tip 8 – Remember, summer may be over, but it’s not all bad. “Point out the positive aspects of starting school,” Dominguez said. “Remind your kids they'll see old friends and have opportunities to meet new ones.”
For more information about Parkland’s services, please visit www.parklandhealth.org.
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