In addition to your back-to-school checklists, these three simple, health-focused habits can go a long way in helping children adjust to the new school year, stay healthy, and thrive in their classroom this year.
Reinforce Healthy Hygiene Habits
As students return to classrooms, sports teams, and shared spaces, they are naturally exposed to more germs.
One of the most effective tools for preventing illness is proper handwashing. Encourage children to wash their hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially before eating, after using the restroom, after coughing or sneezing, and when they arrive home from school. Covering coughs and sneezes with an elbow instead of hands and avoiding the sharing of water bottles, drinks, or utensils are additional habits that can help reduce the spread of germs.
For younger children, making hygiene fun can increase participation. Singing a song while washing hands or using visual reminders near sinks can help build healthy habits that last throughout the year. Teaching and reinforcing good hygiene habits can help keep students healthier and reduce missed school days.
Reset Sleep Schedules Before School Begins
One of the biggest challenges for many families is transitioning from relaxed summer schedules to school-year routines. Later bedtimes and sleeping in may work during vacation, but they can make those first few weeks of school especially difficult.
Rather than waiting until the night before school starts, begin adjusting your child's sleep schedule one to two weeks in advance. Moving bedtime and wake-up times earlier by small increments every few days can help make the transition easier and reduce first-day fatigue.
Creating a consistent bedtime routine can also improve sleep quality. Reading, taking a warm bath, stretching, or quiet family time before bed can help children wind down. Experts also recommend limiting screens for at least an hour before bedtime, as phones, tablets, and televisions can make it harder to fall asleep.
Adequate sleep plays a critical role in memory, attention, mood, and learning. When children are well-rested, they are better prepared to focus in class, manage emotions, and participate fully in school activities.
Schedule Checkups, Vaccinations, and Screenings
Back-to-school appointments are a great opportunity to check your child's vision and hearing. Sometimes academic challenges are linked to difficulty seeing classroom materials or hearing instructions rather than learning ability. Because these issues can develop gradually, children may not realize they are having trouble. Addressing concerns early can help prevent frustration and support success throughout the school year.
The weeks before school starts are an ideal time to schedule your child's annual wellness visit. These appointments allow healthcare providers to monitor growth and development, answer questions, update immunizations, and complete any forms needed for school or sports participation. Routine vaccinations help protect children from preventable illnesses while also helping reduce the spread of disease within schools and the broader community.
Start the Year Healthy and Ready to Learn
Returning to school is an exciting time filled with new opportunities, friendships, and experiences. By scheduling preventive healthcare appointments, reinforcing healthy hygiene habits, and establishing a consistent sleep routine before classes begin, parents can help set the stage for a successful school year ahead.