By Hilary Bridges

Conversations on back to school are starting to swirl.

This time of year can be overwhelming for kids and their grownups, testing families’ coping skills in dealing with adjustments such as new teachers, new classrooms, and new friends, as well as managing hectic school and work schedules.

It is the fear of the unknown that is most stressful for children as they head back to school.

Fortunately, kids are extremely capable of managing change and parents can support them in the process by setting up routines early to ensure a strong start to the school year.

If your child is starting a new school or assigned to new classrooms, take your child to visit before school starts. School administrators and front office staff are happy to get students acquainted with new surroundings. Attend orientation, meet the teacher, tour the school, play on the playground and point out the door where they will line up.

Help your child adjust to earlier bedtimes a week or two before the new school year starts, just to help them ease into a routine. Set a consistent bedtime for your child and stick with it. Getting enough sleep is essential for kids to be successful in school. Electronic devices should be put away at least an hour before bedtime to allow the brain to relax and ready for rest.

Children who eat a nutritious breakfast and healthy snacks throughout the day function better at school. Food and hydration impacts focus, energy, memory, and emotional regulation. Consider a high protein breakfast like eggs, yogurt, or smoothies and snacks like granola bars, string cheese, fruits, and veggies. Most schools offer free and reduced lunches that is loaded with healthy options at the salad bar and meal counter.

Make the trip to the store for school supplies a special treat. Print the list, discover color, brand options, and have your child load the cart. Communities throughout Colorado also offers school supply drives where kiddos can pick out a new backpack and school supplies for free. Check with local news stations and nonprofits in your area.

After school routines are also important to support your student. Create an environment that is homework-friendly including a consistent workspace that is quiet and without distractions. Balance this time into choices about after school activities like sports and theatre. Establish a household rule that electronic devices stay off during homework time or are not available until homework is complete.

Offer healthy after school snacks, hydration, and time to connect after a long school day. Kids often feel tired from daily activities and rules, making it difficult to regulate their emotions.

Lastly, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that kids six years and older get 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity every day. This can come from walking to and from school, sports practice, or playground fun like four square, jumping rope or a game of tag to keep kids healthy.

Here we go into another school year. Let us make sure our kids get off to a strong start!

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Hilary Bridges is a Licensed Professional Counselor and Assistant Executive Director at The Clinic at Kids Crossing.