New backpacks, pencils, and folders may be on your child’s school supply list. But what items should you include on their back-to-school health checklist?
It’s a question on the minds of parents throughout the Inland Northwest, and with good reason. When kids return to school at their healthiest, they set the stage for an enjoyable and productive academic year.
Whether your child is starting kindergarten, your tween is headed to middle school, or your teenager is off to high school, give them the best head start possible. Follow these wellness tips from the team at Northwest Pediatrics in Coeur d’Alene.
Schedule a back-to-school checkup
Kids of all ages can benefit from a pre-school-year physical, especially if they haven’t had a well-child visit recently. During these appointments, our pediatric specialists will evaluate your child’s overall health, including:
- Checking vital signs (height, weight, heart rate, blood pressure)
- Performing a physical exam
- Assessing the motor, language, and social skills of younger kids to ensure they’re keeping up with expected growth patterns
- Evaluating vision and hearing to find any potential problems that could impact kiddos’ ability to learn in the classroom
During a school-year wellness exam, the conversations we have with parents and kids are every bit as important as the physical exams. Let us know about any new health concerns your child may have developed over the summer so we address them. Feel free to ask us any other questions you might have. We’ll be happy to offer lifestyle tips on diet and exercise based on your child’s age and overall wellness.
Stay on top of childhood immunizations and vaccines
Schools and licensed daycare facilities in North Idaho require updated vaccination records for all children. At Northwest Pediatrics, we’ll help you keep track of your child’s immunizations and make sure they are protected from common vaccine-preventable illnesses, including:
- Polio
- Diphtheria
- Tetanus
- Pertussis
- Measles, mumps and rubella
- Chicken pox
- Meningitis
We can also give your child an annual flu shot during their back-to-school visit to keep them healthy and protect other kids in the classroom.
New to Idaho and need a guide to mandatory immunizations? Here are the Idaho school vaccine requirements from the state’s Department of Health & Welfare for kids in childcare (3 months to 7 years) and grade school (K-12).
Get a sports physical for kids
Is your child planning to play sports this year? If so, their school may require a sports physical, which we can also perform at Northwest Pediatrics. These exams check a child’s flexibility, heart health, and overall fitness to ensure they’re ready to play safely. A parent or legal guardian must accompany a child or teen to a sports physical in North Idaho.
Update school health paperwork
Bring any school health forms to your child’s back-to-school exam so we can help you complete them. This is especially important if your kid has a chronic health condition such as asthma, diabetes, or attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). For children with asthma, our team can put together an Asthma and Allergy Action plan that you can share with your kid and their school. We can also show children how to take their medications properly and alert their teachers.
Adjust your child’s sleep schedule
Getting your child back into a regular sleep routine at the end of summer is one of the most difficult parts of the back-to-school transition. But it’s essential. A lack of sleep can negatively impact a child’s concentration, creativity, memory, and learning.
How much sleep does your child need? Follow these age-based guidelines from the American Academy of Pediatrics.
| Preschoolers (3-5 years) | 10 to 13 hours (including naps) |
| Grade-schoolers (6-12 years) | 9 to 12 hours |
| Teens (13-18 years) | 8 to 10 hours |
You can make the transition smoother for your kids by easing them into their school-year sleep routine. Adjust their bedtime or wakeup time in 15-minute increments every night until your child is getting the exact amount of sleep they need.
Check in on kids’ mental health
Returning to school can be stressful for kids. Younger children may be nervous about going to school for the first time or working with a new teacher. Teens may worry about how they’ll fit in with their peers or how they’ll keep up with their studies.
At Northwest Pediatrics, we know that your child’s mental health is just as important as their physical health. Count on us to have open, honest conversations with you and your child. We’ll listen with intention, and without judgment, as we look for the root cause of back-to-school jitters. We will also let you know behaviors to watch for during the school year, such as dropping grades or feelings of sadness, that could be signs of a mood disorder such as anxiety or depression.
Other back-to-school health checklist items
Parents in Coeur d’Alene and throughout the Inland Northwest can ease first-day-of-school worries for the entire family by taking these additional steps.
Make good hygiene a priority
Teach your child or teen the importance of proper handwashing. Remind them to run their hands under clean, running water for at least 20 seconds, scrub all surfaces of the hands, and dry hands with a clean paper towel. Pack hand sanitizer in their backpack and remind them to wash their hands before and after meals. Teach them how to sneeze or cough into their arms to prevent the spread of germs in the classroom.
Pack healthy lunches
A nutritious lunch allows your child to maintain their focus and energy. Choose fresh fruits and vegetables along with whole grains. Avoid food and drinks high in refined sugars. Pack water instead of soda or fruit juice. Make sure your child also eats a healthy breakfast to start the day off right. And if your child has any kind of food allergy (peanuts, dairy, gluten, etc.), make sure to let your school know about it immediately.
Make an after-school plan
Let your kids know where they should go after school (home or to a babysitter) and how to get there. Update all emergency contact information with your child’s school so they know how to reach you in times of need.
Watch their health throughout the school year
Visit a dentist every six months to keep your child’s teeth and gums healthy. And if your child shows any signs of illness, keep them home from school and visit your local pediatrician.
Back-to-school questions? We’re here to help.
Returning to school is a milestone in your child’s life, and it’s natural for parents to have lots of questions. Bring them to us at Northwest Pediatrics. Our compassionate team is here to provide answers and support you at every step of the way. To schedule a back-to-school checkup, Call 208-619-8250.