3 Ways to Help Your Kids Have a Healthy School Year

August 2025

Nutritious meals help kids function better at school. School meals are a great way to nourish your child's mind.
Getting enough sleep is critical to staying healthy and thriving at school. Not getting enough sleep can affect memory, concentration, creativity and learning. In fact, lack of sleep is linked with lower academic performance, school attendance and tardiness.
Digital devices like laptops, tablets and cell phones are now a bigger part of the day for most of us. Kids may use them for school work and to connect with friends or play games. The start of the school year is a good time to help your children set boundaries when using screens at school and at home. Kids & Screen Time: How to Use the 5 C's of Media Guidance - HealthyChildren.org. AAP Media Plan
To balance out screen time and help them sleep, encourage your child to make physical activity a regular part of their day.

If your child has not had a well-child checkup in the last year, schedule a back-to-school physical. At the checkup, your pediatrician can go over treatment plans for your child during the school day. They can also fill out medication and sports physical forms and discuss IEP and 504 needs. IEPs and 504 Plans: A Guide for Parents - HealthyChildren.org
Sharing space in school means it is easy for contagious diseases to spread quickly. During the checkup, ask your pediatrician if your child is caught up on their vaccines. It's one of the most important steps to help keep everyone healthy in school. When more school kids have immunity, it's harder for diseases to spread.

Childhood and adolescence is an exciting time. It can also be filled with challenges and change. Many children and teens struggle with mental health, so it can help to always watch for signs in your child. Some kids may show signs like struggling in school, sleep problems or physical symptoms. School absences may also be a sign.
Getting support early can make all the difference
Remind your child that they can tell you anything. Show them that you are a welcoming place for them to talk about their feelings and concerns. Let them know it is okay to ask for help if they feel like they need more support from you.
Other trusted adults like school counselors and social workers are there for them. Some children are absent from school because of bullying and exclusion. Make sure your child knows a trusted adult at school to talk with about bullying, whether it's physical, verbal or social. It can happen at school, on the school bus, in the neighborhood or through digital devices.
Your pediatrician can also talk through mental health concerns with your child and you. They can help make a plan if your child needs more help.