Tailor-made back-to-school advice

This article was written by Bloomington Riley Physicians pediatricians Scot Moore, MD; Audra Kunzman-Mazdzer, MD; Bryce McKee, MD; and Maggie Dyer, NP.

As families gear up for the new school year, pediatricians urge parents to do more than just check off a school supply list. From sleep habits to emotional readiness, preparing children for school requires thoughtful planning across physical, mental and social dimensions.

Riley Physicians pediatric healthcare providers in south-central Indiana offer expert advice tailored for students at the elementary, middle and high school levels to ensure a healthy and successful start to the academic year.

Elementary schoolers: Start with sleep and routines

Children thrive on consistency. Reconnecting with friends, starting a structured school day, and participating in after-school activities are all important for students’ success. Practicing the drop-off and pickup routine, having a playdate with a new classmate, or attending a back-to-school event can help ease the jitters.

Summertime sleep schedules are often chaotic. Practicing the expected bedtime and awakening time for the two weeks before the first day of school can reestablish good sleep habits. Pediatricians recommend 10 – 11 hours of sleep each night for this age group. Shutting off screens an hour before bed and storing them outside of the bedroom can improve falling asleep, make mornings smoother, and help children stay alert and productive in the classroom.

An annual well visit and physical examination are also important. In addition to monitoring growth and development, pediatricians check that immunizations—such as measles, pertussis (whooping cough), and influenza—are up to date. Asthma, allergies, headaches, or other medical conditions that may need medications or treatments to be administered at school require preplanning so that school personnel are prepared.

A healthy breakfast helps children concentrate and learn. Packing balanced snacks and lunches, minimizing sugar, and encouraging water over juice or soda, prepares the brain and body for the school day. Helping prepare their own backpack and lunch can encourage independence and making good choices.

Middle schoolers: Encourage organization and self-advocacy

The transition to middle school can bring both excitement and stress. Sleep remains vital, with doctors recommending 9 – 10 hours each night. A tech-free wind-down routine can help.

At the annual well visit, sixth through eighth graders should be caught up on Tdap, HPV, and meningococcal vaccinations. Pediatricians routinely screen for anxiety, depression, peer pressure, and relationship issues that are common and have profound effects on a child’s wellbeing and development. Maintaining open conversations at home about friendships, feelings, and challenges at school builds trust that kids have their parent’s support.

Social media can have both positive and negative consequences. Some families consider a “Wait Until 8th” pledge, which encourages delaying smartphone ownership until at least the end of 8th grade. This aligns with the American Academy of Pediatrics’ (AAP) emphasis on limiting screen time and prioritizing activities including unstructured play, in-person social connection, exposure to nature, and experiences essential to healthy development. We also support that smartphones and smart devices be in silent mode and stored during class time to reduce distractions.

This is a time to help kids build strong study habits. Creating a designated homework space and teaching time management can promote academic success and support growing independence. This allows parents to loosen up on daily homework checks and just be available to help with specific questions.

High schoolers: Sleep, stress and long-term planning

Teenagers often juggle rigorous academics, extracurriculars, jobs, and social pressures. Teens need 8 – 10 hours of sleep. In fact, getting 8 hours of sleep has been correlated with a 50% reduction in sports-related injuries. This may be a helpful statistic for encouraging teens to adopt better sleep habits.

Health check-ups remain important, and not just for those in sports. Stress and anxiety are common in high school, and the ill-effects may be difficult to recognize. Screening and early support can make a meaningful difference. Reinforcing healthy habits of nutritional meals, adequate hydration, limiting caffeine and staying active promote optimal physical and mental development.

Social development also takes center stage during the teen years. Conversations about friendships, dating, respect, and personal boundaries should be ongoing. As teens explore their futures—whether through college, trades, or careers—parents can offer support in setting goals, building time management skills, and navigating choices.

A successful school year starts with overall readiness. Physical health, emotional resilience, balanced routines, and open communication all play a part in helping students of every age thrive. With a little planning and support, kids can walk into the school year feeling confident, prepared, and supported.

References: HealthyChildren.org; waituntil8th.org; Center for Parent and Teen Communication parentandteen.com; Contemporary Pediatrics contemporarypediatrics.com; and JAMA Pediatrics jamanetwork.com/journals/jamapediatrics; AAP.org.