Back to School Reminders for Patients & Providers

Late summer is a particularly busy time for many providers with parents squeezing in immunization updates, sports physicals and routine checkups for their children before another school year gets too far underway.

Dr. James Conley

James Edwin Conley, MD, a primary care physician with Saint Thomas Medical Partners, noted it's also a great time for physicians and other providers to help young patients and their parents get off to a healthy, happy start.

The internist said, "Starting a new school year can be overwhelming for some." Conley added a number of factors can cause additional tension at the beginning of the year including unfamiliar teachers, classmates and buildings. Other stressors, he said, include the fear of failure - either socially or academically - and worries about making friends and being accepted.

"The key is to stay positive and take it one day at a time," advised Conley. "Encourage your child to believe in themselves and instill confidence." He also said students should be encouraged to ask for help when they don't understand a subject or if they feel bullied or uncomfortable in a situation.

Parents should also be alert to red flags that their child might be struggling. "Warning signs may include worsening performance in school, change in behavior or mood, lack of interest in doing things that were once enjoyable, poor appetite, concentration, or sleeping patterns, irritability, disinterest in socializing with peers or participating in activities, or increase in sick days from school," said Conley.

He added that he reminds parents to talk to their children often, asking about school experiences and discussing any pressures or concerns that are expressed. "Encourage your child to be open and try not to be judgmental. Provide reassurance and guidance in areas of struggle. It is never wrong to find help to address issues as soon as possible," he noted.

For younger children starting school, Conley said reassurance that they are loved and supported is key. "Let them know that they can lean on you in time of need," he said. "Not every day will be great ... troubling and difficult situations will arise ... but everything will get better."

Conley said the takeaway message for kids of all ages embarking on a new school year is that it's a team effort with a support system that includes parents, teachers, physicians and children working together to optimize physical and emotional health.

Other Back-to-School Tips from Ascension Saint Thomas

Off to a strong emotional start:

Too many middle and high school students are afraid to open up about their turbulent emotions. The Anxiety and Depression Association of America reports that at least 80 percent of teens with anxiety and 60 percent of teens with depression are not getting help. Here are a few best practices for nurturing emotionally strong teens:

Limit screen time. Studies have found correlations between social media use and depression. Unless you observe concerning behavior, don't prohibit your teen from using social media. Instead, monitor usage and institute time limits.
Pay attention. One study found that, as early as preschool, learning to build friendships is a crucial part of child development. Get to know your child's friends. With your teen's permission, invite their friends over to watch a game or share a meal with your family.
Guard your mouth. Avoid negative self-talk about your own body or personality and commit to reducing comparison language. Research has found that deprecating self-talk increases symptoms of anxiety in kids ages 8-18.
Go first. If your teen is hesitant to talk about mood swings or anxieties, model vulnerable behavior by first sharing your feelings.
Normalize seeking advice. Ask your teen for their opinion on how to handle the gossipy neighbor or a stressful work situation. Mention how you sought therapy during a difficult time. Your child should hear often that asking others for help is a sign of strength, not weakness.

Off to a strong nutritional start:

As you fill your shopping cart with clothes and classroom supplies for your growing child, don't forget to plan ahead for school lunches. The National Bureau of Economic Research has found a strong correlation between the quality of a student's lunch and their academic success.

Hummus and veggies. Send your child to school with a serving of protein-packed hummus and pre-chopped veggies. Save even more time by packing vegetables that don't require chopping--baby carrots, broccoli, and cherry tomatoes.
Oatmeal with a side of turkey or chicken sausage.Everyone knows that breakfast food tastes better at dinnertime! Why not try it at noon? Just remember to stick to low-sugar varieties if you purchase sweetened single-serving oatmeal packs.
Greek yogurt parfait.The trick to a parfait that doesn't get soggy by lunchtime is keeping it unassembled. Send your child to school with a serving of Greek yogurt and separate containers of granola and fruit. Your child can assemble their parfait at the lunch table. For an extra helping of protein, have your child sprinkle a handful of nuts or dab a spoonful of nut butter on top.

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Dr. Conley