You’ve Got the First Day of School Behind You – Now What?
The first-day jitters may have subsided, but there are still plenty of challenges in making the long term adjustment to a new school year. For parents wondering "what now?", we turned to Cone Health experts to ensure your child stays motivated, focused, and healthy throughout the school year. Learn more in this conversation between Lynn Klett, PNP, Cone Health Piedmont Pediatrics and Jenna Mendelson, PhD, Cone Health LeBauer Behavioral Medicine, with WFMY 2 Your Well-Being.
Mental Health:
- Open Communication: Create opportunities for conversation based on your child's communication preferences, whether it be over an after-school snack or lego-building activity.
- Acknowledge Emotions: If your child had a difficult day at school, practice patience as they may need time to decompress before sharing.
- Manage Anxiety: Normalize anxiety and help your child develop coping strategies.
Physical Health:
- Prioritize Breakfast: Skipping breakfast can negatively impact a child's focus and energy. Try a child-friendly protein shake in the morning.
- Pack Healthy Lunches: Consider meal prepping and creating compartmental meals at home v.s. store-bought meals. This allows you to control what goes into the lunch and how healthy it is.
- Strengthen Immune Systems: Encourage handwashing and protect your child from the flu and COVID-19 by getting them vaccinated.
School Life:
- Address Bullying: Be vigilant for signs of bullying and support your child if they are involved.
- Create Routines: Establish consistent bedtimes to promote better sleep. Manage extracurriculars to balance activities with rest and relaxation.
- Limit Screen Time: Reduce screen exposure before bed to improve sleep quality. Implement a reward system to encourage positive behavior and academic achievement.
