You hear experts telling you to get your kids to bed early to prepare, but no one wants to go to bed early if they sleep until 10 a.m.
GREENSBORO, N.C. — Back to school is really back to routine. And getting in that routine before the first day is key.
“As a principal and a dad, I know how hectic that first week of school can be, so it really helps to be in a routine and reduce that stress,” said Mark Sernatinger, Principal.
The most important routine is the sleep routine. You always hear the expert say, ‘Get your kids to bed 15 minutes earlier each night.’ But Cone Health has a whole new way of thinking about that.
“If your kids are sleeping until 10 or 11 am, it’s really hard to impose that 9 o’clock bedtime. One tip is to start in the morning. Start setting alarms for the times your children will wake up during the school year,” said Dr. Yun Boylston, Cone Health Pediatrician.
Get the kids used to eating a substantial breakfast on a schedule again.
“Having a nutritious breakfast that includes lean protein, whole grains, fruits, or even vegetables can help keep blood sugar steady so your child can concentrate better and have more energy throughout the day,” said Tori Calvo, Consumer Reports.
Getting in the routine of picking out clothes the night before can save time and frustration in the AM.
The afterschool routine is important too, and that needs to be talked about before the first day, so everyone is on the same page, how much time is given to homework, snack time, play time, gaming time? And in what order do they all happen?
Make sure your kids are up to date on their wellness visits, sports physicals, and vaccines. If they are starting middle school, they may need Tdap, HPV, and meningococcal shots. And don’t forget the flu shot, best before the end of October!