Back to School - are you ready?

Kids Central Pediatrics
July 18, 2024

Summer fun is almost over, and the “normalcy” of school, sports and extra curricular activities begin again.

As the long, lazy days of summer slowly come to an end, it’s time to prepare ourselves and our children for the exciting new chapter that awaits them: going back to school. While bidding farewell to the carefree moments of summer can be bittersweet, getting our kids ready for the school routine doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Let’s explore some tips and strategies to help ease the transition and make the most of the final days of summer while preparing our children for a successful return to school.

Reflect on Summer Memories: Before diving into back-to-school preparations, take a moment to reflect on the cherished memories you and your children have created during the summer break. Talk about their favorite experiences, trips, or activities, and encourage them to share their feelings about the upcoming change. This reflection helps to acknowledge the value of the summer break and build a positive mindset for the approaching school year.
Gradual Adjustment of Routine: Adjusting from late nights and relaxed schedules to early mornings and structured routines can be challenging. Ease the transition by gradually reintroducing school-like routines a couple of weeks before the academic year begins. Set consistent bedtimes and wake-up times, encourage regular reading or learning activities, and establish a daily schedule that reflects the school routine. This gradual adjustment will help your children adapt smoothly to the upcoming changes.
Organize and Prepare: Getting organized is a key factor in ensuring a smooth start to the school year. Begin by decluttering and organizing school supplies, backpacks, and clothing. Take an inventory of what you have and make a shopping list for any necessary items. Involving your children in this process can create excitement and anticipation for the new school year. Additionally, gather important paperwork and ensure that medical forms, school registrations, and immunization records are up to date.
Establish Communication with Teachers: Building a positive relationship with your child’s teacher is vital for their academic success. Reach out to the teacher before the school year begins to introduce yourself and establish open lines of communication. Share any relevant information about your child’s strengths, interests, or concerns, allowing the teacher to better understand and support your child’s individual needs.
Rekindle Learning Habits: Encourage your children to re-engage their minds with educational activities. Visit the library together, explore age-appropriate books, and engage in educational games or puzzles. Consider incorporating a short daily reading or writing session to reignite their learning habits and boost their academic readiness.
Emotional Support: The return to school can bring about a mix of emotions for both children and parents. Be attuned to your child’s feelings and provide emotional support. Talk openly about any concerns or anxieties they may have and offer reassurance. Share stories of your own positive school experiences to help alleviate their worries and build excitement for the new school year.

Don’t forget to schedule your back-to-school physicals at Kids Central Pediatrics

Meet the Provider - Dr. Liz Conteras
Maryville Clinic

Born in Peru, Dr. Liz Contreras moved to New Jersey when she was 10. She graduated from the University of Connecticut before attending medical school at UNIBE Dominican Republic, and completing her residency in pediatrics at Cooper University Hospital in New Jersey. She practiced general pediatrics for nine years in Ohio and Illinois before moving to Knoxville.

Her passion is providing personalized health care and wellness plans for children, from birth to young adulthood. She enjoys watching kids grow in each stage of childhood and working with parents to facilitate the healthiest mental and physical well-being possible.

Dr. Conteras has a special place in her heart for children with special needs, as she has a son with Soto’s Syndrome. This experience helps her relate to parents of children with special needs, as she has been in their shoes. She says, “Having special needs does not always mean limited and poor quality of life. However, their care will be filled with challenges to reach their full potential. I treat my patients just as they are my kids.”

She enjoys biking, running, training for 5K races and spending time with her children and husband, who is a neurologist. Dr. Conteras also has two German shepherds and speaks fluent Spanish

Staying Safe in the Water

Summertime means more time at the pool, lake and ocean, and with more access to water, it is important for kids of all ages to know and practice water safety.

Parents should ensure their child learns how to swim early and practices regularly. Other important tips for children:

Teach kids to never swim alone. Using the buddy system ensures there is always someone else present in case of an emergency.
If a lifeguard is present, kids need to swim where they will be seen. Sticking with the buddy system is a good idea, so someone else can alert the lifeguard in case of trouble.
Wear life vests or Coast Guard-certified flotation devices when on a boat. Most states have regulations about life vests while on a boat, but, at the very least, flotation devices should be worn by anyone under age 21 and anyone who cannot swim.

Teenagers start to experience a little more independence when it comes to water, and parents should judge their child’s swimming ability before letting their teen head off without parental supervision.

Additional teen-specific tips parents should teach:

Don’t overestimate your swimming ability. Teens often drown swimming across a lake or river because distances, water temperatures and currents can be difficult to judge.
Don’t dive, swing or jump into water without knowing the depth of the water, as well as any objects or hazards that might be lurking right under the surface. The first entry into any water should be feet first. Teach teens to only dive in water that is at least nine feet deep.
Water and alcohol or drugs do not mix. Nearly half of all drownings in teen males are tied to alcohol use, which greatly affects judgment and swimming skills.
Water play is not a laughing matter or joke. Teens have died because their friends didn’t know they were in trouble or thought they were joking and then did not know how to respond. Never assume someone is joking, and always offer help anytime someone appears to be in distress.
Always wear a life jacket. Teens often choose not to wear life jackets, but in any area without a trained lifeguard, life jackets should be worn.

Introducing KCP’s New Parenting Resource.

We know that raising kids can be both rewarding and challenging. That's why we're excited to share our latest resource with you – the Parents' Survival Guide! This comprehensive collection of articles is packed with expert tips, practical advice, and helpful resources designed to support you through every stage of your child’s development.

What's Inside:

Health & Wellness Tips: From nutrition and exercise to mental health support.
Parenting Advice: Proven strategies for common challenges like sleep issues, discipline, and more.
Educational Resources: Fun and engaging activities to boost your child’s learning.
1st Time Parent’s Survival Guide: Information and tips to guide you through the first 24 months of parenthood.

Visit the Parents' Survival Guide to access this valuable resource today!

At Kids Central Pediatrics, we are committed to being your partner in your child's health and well-being. If you have any questions or need further assistance, please don't hesitate to contact us.