Tips for Parents and Kids to Start the School Year Off Right

News9.com

OKLAHOMA CITY -- Oklahoma students are about to head back to class and the OU Health Sciences Center wants to help both children and parents get ready for the new school year.

Doctors from the medical center held a news conference Wednesday to help families get the school year off to a good start. First and foremost, doctors said it is important to make sure children get off their summer sleep schedule and head to bed early. Lack of sleep can affect academic performance and can cause behavioral problems.

Also, doctors said if a child is just starting school or transitioning into junior high or high school, be sure to talk to them about their fears.

"Kids are going to read parents' reaction to change, and if you're anxious and you're communicating that to your child, they're going to be more likely to feel that. Another thing you can do is to just go visit the school. Play on the playground, walk through the hall so that it's not an unfamiliar environment to them," said Child Behavioral Dr. Bonnie McBride.

Doctors also said it's important to stay engaged throughout the school year, so they advise parents to talk to their kids about homework and school activities, and regularly check in with their teachers.