Getting Back-to-School Ready

Our lazy summer days are fading fast! With the first day of school for Beaufort County School District approaching on Monday, Aug. 21, it’s time to start preparing now.

Here are five ways to help ease the stress of the back-to-school season for your family.

1. Start going to bed earlier.

Resetting sleep schedules needs to begin before school starts. Aim for one to two weeks before the first day of school to start gradually curbing late nights and waking late sleepers earlier.

Make sure your children are getting enough sleep. This will help maintain a healthy immune system in addition to aiding school performance, behavior, memory and mental health. Unsure of how many hours of sleep they need? The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends preschoolers (3-5 years) have 10-13 hours (including naps), grade-schoolers (6-12 years) have 9-12 hours and teens (13-18 years) have 8-10 hours each night.

2. Have supplies sorted and ready.

Go shopping together for those important classroom items, and if you can, splurge on a few fun items your child picks out, such as glitter pencils or a colorful notebook. A little extra treat like that can help build excitement for the start of school.

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3. Plan breakfast for busy school day mornings.

A healthy breakfast helps children function better and enjoy a good start to their day. Start planning options for those busy mornings now so you’re ready on day one.

Think about what can be prepared in advance. Whole-grain muffins with zucchini and carrots can be frozen weeks ahead. Scrambled egg cups with veggies can be baked in the oven using muffin tins and then kept in the fridge all week.

If you don't have time for a sit-down meal, healthy on-the-go options include trail mix, fruit and yogurt smoothies or whole wheat tortillas with peanut butter or almond butter.

4. Clear desks of distractions and clutter.

Your child should have a consistent place for completing homework that’s quiet and distraction-free. Clear off any desk or table clutter and create a special place for studying. Having supplies nearby can help minimize wasted time "looking for a pencil."

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5. Establish a household electronics policy.

Make this the year that you establish household rules about TVs, phones and other electronic distractions. Face-to-face family time, exercise and unstructured, offline play should be a priority. The AAP offers guidance and tips for establishing healthy and safe media guidelines. Be sure to make the rules and consequences clear, then follow them.

Don’t forget wellness checks, sports physicals

and

immunization reports, either. Learn about South Carolina's vaccine requirements for childcare and school. If you need help finding a pediatrician, search our online provider directory.