As summer winds down and backpacks are dusted off, pediatricians find themselves on the front lines of one of the busiest—and most influential—times of the year: back-to-school season. From immunization updates to sports physicals, the weeks leading up to the first day of school offer a crucial opportunity for physicians to support families in setting their children up for a healthy and successful school year.
“Health and learning are deeply connected. After all, pediatricians can help identify and address physical, emotional and behavioral health concerns that impact a child’s ability to succeed in the classroom,” said Pareen Shah Thakral, MD, a pediatrician at Texas Children’s Pediatrics Fannin in Houston.
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Whether physicians are counseling families in the exam room or updating care protocols in their practice, these back-to-school strategies aim to arm doctors—and parents—with tools to promote health and well-being in both home and classroom settings.
Schedule screenings and health checks
“Parents and guardians should schedule a back-to-school physical if their child has not had a well-child check-up in the past year,” said Dr. Thakral, who is also the mom of two children. “This is important because annual check-ups can identify underlying health concerns, such as vision or hearing problems which can lead to learning difficulties at school.”
Additionally, keeping children up to date on their vaccinations—including the annual flu vaccine—helps protect their health,” she explained. “I encourage parents to schedule a visit with their pediatrician to make sure their child is current on all recommended immunizations because pediatricians and family physicians are here to answer any questions.”
At Texas Children’s Pediatrics, the pediatric vaccine schedule approved by the American Academy of Pediatrics and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are recommended for physicians and parents to follow ahead of the new school year.
Strengthen a child’s immune system
“When it comes to strengthening a child’s immune system, parents should focus on the basics: nutrition, sleep and exercise,” said Dr. Thakral. “Parents should fuel their child’s morning with a wholesome breakfast, such as fruits, whole grains and protein-rich foods.”
“This is important because a healthy start boosts memory, focus and overall well-being,” she added.
Dr. Thakral went on to share that many children are eligible for free or reduced-price school meals, and parents should reach out to their child’s school for information on accessing meal-benefits applications.
“Another important tip that is often overlooked is promoting and modeling proper hand hygiene,” she said, noting that hand washing is important to prevent the spread of infections and diseases, such as the common cold, flu and the contagious norovirus.
Also, “encourage children to cover their coughs and sneezes—into a tissue or their elbow—and to avoid touching their faces,” Dr. Thakral said. And “remember, pediatricians are there for you, especially since your child may get more illnesses when they return to school.”
Get back on healthy sleep routines
“To help children transition smoothly after summer break, parents can start by gradually moving bedtimes earlier,” Dr. Thakral said, “and setting a consistent nighttime routine.”
“Other actions that can support better sleep habits include ensuring a comfortable and soothing sleep environment, limiting screen time before bed, and promoting daytime physical activity.”
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Manage chronic conditions
“Parents and schools should maintain open and ongoing communication with their child’s pediatrician to effectively manage their child’s chronic condition,” said Dr. Thakral, noting “it’s important to have an up-to-date plan of action tailored to the child’s needs— whether that’s an asthma action plan, an allergy emergency plan or a behavioral support plan for ADHD.”
“Parents should share this plan with the school, including teachers and nurses,” she said. Meanwhile, physicians can monitor the child’s condition through regular follow-ups, adjusting treatment as needed.”
Recognize school-related stress
There are also signs that parents should look for that might indicate their child is experiencing added stress, anxiety or depression in relation to school.
“Parents should watch for changes in their child’s behavior, mood, sleep or appetite that seem out of character,” Dr. Thakral said. “Signs of school-related stress, anxiety or depression may include frequent headaches or stomach aches without a clear medical cause, changes in sleep or eating habits, reluctance or refusal to go to school, withdrawal from friends or activities they once enjoyed, irritability, trouble concentrating or a drop in academic performance.”
“If parents notice any of these signs, it’s important to talk with their child and their child’s teachers, as well as reach out to their child’s pediatrician,” she said.
Create individualized health plans
“Pediatricians play a key role in creating individualized health plans—providing detailed medical information, such as diagnoses, medications, potential complications and emergency care instructions tailored to the child,” Dr. Thakral said, noting that “pediatricians collaborate with the school to advocate for a child’s best ability to engage in school activities and have a successful learning experience.”
For example, Texas Children’s Hospital also provides individualized behavioral health care, known as an intensive outpatient program, for adolescents who are struggling with emotional and behavioral issues that lead to challenges in daily life.
“Pediatricians can also recommend suitable accommodations or modifications to help support the student’s learning and full participation in school,” she said, noting that if parents “have any questions about their child’s health, especially in regards to school, reach out to your pediatrician for guidance.”
