✏️ Back to School: A Pediatric Nurse Practitioner’s Guide for Parents
Tips on Safety, Sleep, Hygiene & Routines for a Smooth Start
As a pediatric nurse practitioner—and fellow parent cheerleader—I know that the back-to-school season can bring a mix of excitement and chaos. Whether it’s your child’s first time in preschool or they’re heading into another year of elementary school, a little planning can go a long way in setting them up for a healthy, happy start.
Here’s a quick guide to help you ease back into the school groove with confidence and smiles!
🎒 1. Safety First: Little Steps, Big Impact
- Kids may be small, but safety is a big deal!
- Practice the drop-off routine ahead of time so your child knows what to expect.
- Teach traffic and pedestrian safety. Even preschoolers can start learning basic rules like stopping at the curb and looking both ways.
- Check backpack weight. A child’s backpack should be no more than 10–15% of their body weight. Use both shoulder straps to prevent strain.
- Label everything! Water bottles, jackets, and lunchboxes have a way of disappearing.
🛑 Don’t: Assume the school handles all safety—partner with teachers and caregivers for consistency.
🛏️ 2. Sleep: Resetting the Rhythm
- After a summer of flexible bedtimes, it’s time to get back on track.
- Start a gradual bedtime shift 1–2 weeks before school begins—about 15 minutes earlier each night.
- Establish a calming bedtime routine. Think bath, book, and bed.
- Keep screens off at least an hour before bedtime to promote better sleep.
💡 Do: Aim for 10–12 hours of sleep a night for preschool and elementary-aged kids.
💤 Don’t: Wait until the night before school starts to change bedtime.
🧼 3. Hygiene: Healthy Habits for Happy Classrooms
- A little prevention goes a long way—especially in shared spaces.
- Teach handwashing basics. Sing a short song (like “Twinkle Twinkle” or “ABCs”) to make it fun and thorough.
- Remind kids to cover coughs and sneezes with their elbows.
- Check nails, hair, and skin regularly for signs of lice, rashes, or irritation.
🧴 Do: Keep a travel-sized hand sanitizer in their backpack (school-permitting).
🤲 Don’t: Assume they’ll remember on their own—repetition is key.
📅 4. Routines: Build a Flow That Works for Everyone
- Children thrive on structure—it helps them feel safe and confident.
- Use a visual schedule or checklist in the morning and at bedtime.
- Prep the night before—lay out clothes, pack lunches, and check backpacks.
- Set expectations for screen time, homework, and downtime after school.
✅ Do: Build in buffer time—mornings are smoother with 10 extra minutes.
⏰ Don’t: Overpack the week with activities; downtime is just as important as enrichment.
