As college students throughout Southern California prepare for a brand new faculty 12 months, many dad and mom are questioning what steps they need to take to make sure their kids are greatest ready to achieve the classroom.
Following many weeks of summer season trip, it’s vital to take sure actions to make sure kids are totally ready to return to high school in good well being, each bodily and mentally, based on Dr. Danielle Flowers, a pediatrician with Kaiser Permanente Southern California.
“There are specific steps dad and mom can take to assist their youngsters achieve faculty,” she mentioned. “A lot of it includes connecting with their little one’s healthcare supplier, in addition to ensuring they’re correctly geared up to start the brand new faculty 12 months on the correct footing.”
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Significance of Sleep
As many kids loved staying up late at evening throughout summer season break, Dr. Flowers notes it’s vital that they get again on a routine the place the kid goes to mattress earlier so they’re rested and capable of rise up early faculty mornings.
“The best quantity of sleep per evening for a school-aged little one must be about 10-12 hours,” she mentioned. “Sleep boosts mind operate, particularly reminiscence consolidation and studying. Throughout deep sleep, the mind processes and shops info from the day. Children who get sufficient sleep carry out higher at school and have sharper consideration spans.”
Annual Bodily Examination
Dr. Flowers, who practices in Mission Hills, suggested dad and mom to make sure their kids get an annual bodily examination and ensure they’re updated on vaccines earlier than they return to the classroom.
“An annual bodily examination isn’t only a checkbox on the to-do checklist — it’s a necessary a part of guaranteeing a toddler’s total well being and catching points earlier than they change into issues,” Dr. Flowers mentioned.
Right here’s why they’re so useful:
Medical doctors can establish potential issues (like listening to, imaginative and prescient, or developmental delays) early on.
Screenings assist detect persistent circumstances like bronchial asthma, allergic reactions or hypertension earlier than they escalate.
Common checkups observe peak, weight, BMI and developmental milestones to ensure a toddler is on a wholesome path.
Medical doctors assessment vaccine data and administer required immunizations, retaining youngsters protected against critical diseases.
It’s additionally an opportunity to speak about vitamin, sleep habits and train.
“Physicals additionally embody checks on psychological and emotional well being — an more and more vital focus as youngsters navigate faculty, associates and id,” Dr. Flowers mentioned. “It’s a secure house for youths to precise how they’re feeling.”
Moreover, bodily exams are sometimes wanted for varsity enrollment and sports activities participation, Dr. Flowers mentioned. She additionally advisable that kids see a dentist earlier than they begin faculty.
Correct Backpack
Earlier than faculty begins, it’s vital to ensure a toddler has a well-fitting backpack that received’t be too heavy and trigger again ache.
“Children could also be excited to return to high school, however dragging round a heavy or poorly designed backpack can result in some not-so-fun penalties,” Dr. Flowers mentioned.
Right here’s why a well-fitting, light-weight backpack issues greater than we’d suppose:
Kids’s bones and muscle groups are nonetheless creating, so carrying extreme weight can pressure their spines, shoulders and necks.
Poor posture from heavy luggage might result in long-term points like scoliosis or persistent again ache.
An uneven or overly massive backpack throws off steadiness, rising the chance of journeys, falls, or accidents.
Children might overcompensate by leaning ahead, which stresses their joints and muscle groups.
Discomfort and ache from a heavy backpack can distract youngsters and make it more durable for them to focus in school.
Bodily pressure would possibly even discourage them from strolling or participating in actions they’d in any other case get pleasure from.
“A toddler’s backpack ought to weigh not more than 10–15% of their physique weight,” Dr. Flowers famous. “So, for a 60-pound little one, that’s about 6 to 9 kilos max.”
Social MediaSocial media may appear innocent at first look — simply cute movies and humorous memes — however for younger kids, an excessive amount of publicity can have critical penalties. Limiting entry isn’t about being overly strict; it’s about defending them throughout a vital time of their improvement.
Right here’s why it issues:
Younger brains are quickly rising and profit from real-world experiences — not fixed digital stimulation.
Social media can shorten consideration spans, making it more durable for youths to pay attention at school or play imaginatively.
Publicity to unrealistic pictures or “good lives” can distort a toddler’s self-image and confidence.
Even with filters, platforms can expose kids to violence, bullying, misinformation, or grownup themes.
Algorithms don’t at all times know what’s age-appropriate, and youngsters can stumble into content material that’s complicated or dangerous.
Research hyperlink extreme social media use with elevated anxiousness, melancholy and sleep disturbances. Limiting entry frees up time for lively play, studying, creativity and outside adventures — all of which construct stronger minds and our bodies.
“It’s not about demonizing know-how — it’s about giving kids the house to develop naturally and safely,” Dr. Flowers mentioned.
