austin-diagnostic-clinicback to school- ADC - Dr Marroquin

Back to School Tips from Austin Diagnostic Clinic

Mom!!  I don’t wanna get up! What do I wear? Did you pack my lunch? . . .  Is it back to school time already?

Getting ready for a new school year can be an exciting time for families and children. Plan ahead to create an enjoyable and stress-free end of summer.

Here is a checklist to help you and your family get ready:

  1. Choosing a backpack – Prepping for a new school year includes gathering the required supplies and choosing the perfect backpack. When shopping, compare comfort and safety. Two straps are better than one. Padding on the back and wide shoulder straps will allow for more comfort and less strain on your child’s back.
  2. Breakfast – Never let your child start school on an empty stomach! Proper nutrition helps children focus on what is important in school. If you anticipate a time crunch in the morning, prepare breakfast the night before. A breakfast smoothie with fruits and fiber is a yummy alternative.
  3. Lunch – Plan for a successful day by packing healthy foods and snacks for lunches. If your child is eating a school lunch, review the menu in the morning together with your child to help her make better food choices. And don’t forget to buy a reusable bottle for them to fill up with water throughout the school day!
  4. Transportation-Plan ahead how your child is getting to school, especially if this will be a new school.

Walk/bike- If they are walking or riding a bicycle, consider a practice trip before the first day to ensure he knows a safe route to/from school. Review road safety and make sure your child has a correctly fitted bicycle helmet. If at all possible, arrange for a parent to ride or walk with the child or take turns with neighborhood parents.

Bus-If a school bus will provide transportation; make sure your child knows where and when the bus will pick her up at home as well as at school. This will hopefully prevent your child from getting on the wrong bus home! Review safety with crossing streets, making sure that the bus driver can see her crossing in front of the bus.

  1. Sleep – We all know sleep is important to success at school. Plan ahead, allowing at least 1-2 weeks of adjusting to a good sleep routine. Limit screen time in the evenings and turn off screens at least 1-2 hours prior to bedtime.
  2. Well visits – Yearly visits to your pediatrician is important for every child. This is a time to review your child’s development and growth from the past year. Immunizations will be given if needed and sports physicals can be performed for the athlete in your home. Make sure you bring any forms needed for sports participation, prescription medications or action plans needed by the school nurse. This will make an easier transition the first week of school.

Cute pupils drawing at their desks one smiling at camera at the elementary school

Remember, getting ready for this upcoming school year should be a time of excitement, not anxiety. Talk to your child about any fears or nervousness they may be experiencing about starting a new school or a new grade.  And plan ahead! A successful school year starts at home. So, commit to a great start to the school year. And don’t forget to get your camera ready for the first day of school pictures! Good luck!


Jaclyn Marroquin, MD is a board-certified pediatrician practicing at The Austin Diagnostic Clinic Cedar Bend in North Austin.  She is accepting new patients and most insurance plans.  The Austin Diagnostic Clinic is an independent group of 145 doctors and providers practicing in 21 medical specialties at 9 locations throughout Central Texas since 1952.   Our vision is to be the premier multispecialty clinic providing compassionate care and excellent service.  512-901-1111 | ADClinic.com

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