Newsletter

As summer winds down and families start preparing for a new school year, the transition back to classrooms, schedules, homework, and early mornings can feel like a lot. Between school forms, sleep schedules, lunches, vaccines, and first-day nerves, there are plenty of things competing for parents’ attention.

To make the transition a little easier, we put together a back-to-school Q&A with Dr. TJ Gold. From preparing school forms and medications to resetting routines, managing first-day anxiety, and getting ready for flu season, Dr. Gold shares practical advice for starting the year off on the right foot.

What are the most common things parents forget before school starts?

School forms are a big one. Families should also make sure kids who need medications at school have everything ready, including asthma inhalers or EpiPens. If your child wears glasses and their prescription may have changed, it’s also a good idea to get back to the eye doctor before school starts.

And don’t overlook the backpack, especially for middle schoolers carrying heavier books and supplies. A properly fitting backpack can make a big difference.

Does my child need a well visit before school starts?

If your child has had a well visit within the past 12 months, your pediatrician can usually complete their school forms using information from that visit. A new visit does not need to be scheduled specifically for back-to-school season.

If your child is overdue for their annual well visit and has not been seen within the past year, you will need to schedule a new visit for them. You can call our office or check on the portal to see the date of your child’s last well visit.

When should families start thinking about flu shots?

I like to say, “Flu before Boo.” Ideally, kids should receive their flu vaccine before Halloween. Children under age 9, who have never received a flu vaccine before may need two doses, so we usually try to start those children earlier, with doses in September and October. We’ll let families know as soon as flu clinic scheduling becomes available.

What helps kids who are afraid of shots?

We never want to make a child feel uncomfortable, but once it’s time for the shot, avoid prolonged negotiation and waiting. Anticipation often makes the fear worse than the shot itself. Nine times out of ten, my patients get their shot and then say, “wait… that was it?”

For younger kids, you also don’t necessarily need to announce that they’re getting a shot, especially the night before in preparation. Giving them hours to anticipate the shot can create a lot more anxiety.

What’s a realistic way to reset a summer sleep schedule?

Don’t put too much pressure on yourself to create the perfect two-week transition plan. Sometimes trying to gradually shift bedtimes just turns the transition into a longer battle.

I tend to favor more of a “rip off the Band-Aid” approach. Start the school routine when it’s time to start it. Kids may be tired for a few days, and that’s okay. Their bodies will adjust naturally, and being a little tired during that transition is part of the process.

How should families reset screen time once school starts?

The end of summer can mean more screen time, especially once camps start wrapping up. At the start of the school year, I recommend creating a simple rule: no individual recreational screens on school nights. You really want to avoid every night turning into a negotiation. Family movie nights or FaceTiming grandparents are different, and you can always become more flexible once the school routine is more established. But in the beginning of the year, clear boundaries are highly recommended.

Any tips for packing school lunches?

Packing lunch every day can get exhausting, especially with picky eaters. Try giving kids some ownership by letting them choose their lunchbox, fun food containers, and involving them in picking from a few realistic food options. Lunch doesn’t need to be a brand-new creation every morning. If your child reliably eats the same few things, that’s okay. The goal is something manageable that they’ll actually eat.

How can parents help kids who are anxious about starting school?

Try not to immediately fix the feeling for them. When a child says they’re nervous and the response is, “You’re going to be fine! You’re going to love it!” We mean well, but it can make them feel like their anxiety is being dismissed. Instead, acknowledge it and ask what’s making them uncomfortable and what they think might make the next day easier. Giving kids some agency helps them learn how to work through uncomfortable feelings.

For younger kids dealing with separation anxiety, keep drop-off simple: kiss, smile, and go. Lingering can make the separation harder, and most kids begin settling into the routine after a few days.

When are back-to-school jitters a red flag?

Kids don’t always have the language to say, “I’m anxious.” Their bodies may show it first. Watch for recurring stomachaches, nausea, headaches, appetite changes, or trouble sleeping, especially if the symptoms happen mainly on school days or around a particular class or situation. Sometimes that pattern can point to a specific stressor, social issue, or bullying.

Rather than dismissing the symptoms, acknowledge how they’re feeling and give them space to explain what’s going on.

How can families continue some of the fun of summer when schedules get busier?

When everything else is changing, pick one or two things your family can realistically keep, whether that’s a weekly walk, movie night, dinner out, or another activity you enjoy together.

Don’t set yourself up for failure by trying to schedule too much. Kids’ schedules fill up quickly once school starts, and one or two consistent family activities can be enough.

A Reminder About School Forms

As back-to-school season approaches, please remember that school form requests are especially high this time of year. During peak season, forms may take up to two weeks to complete, so we encourage families to submit requests as early as possible. If your child is coming in for a well visit, we recommend asking for a form in-office.

Schools generally require an up-to-date well visit from within the past 12 months. If your child is due for a visit, you can schedule through the Patient Portal.

Please submit all school form requests through the Patient Portal