As Minnesota students prepare to return to school, experts are urging parents to establish routines and prioritize their children’s physical and mental well-being.
Heidi Olesen from Riverwood Healthcare Center recommends that parents of children attending a new school take advantage of open houses or schedule a visit before the first day. “Walk around the halls a little bit, meet the teacher, find the desk you’re going to be sitting at or the locker you’re going to be using,” Olesen advises. Familiarity with the school environment can ease the pressure of the first day.
For those unable to schedule wellness visits before school starts, Olesen notes that making an appointment in September is still beneficial, as healthcare providers are busy this time of year.
Dr. Rhonda Randall, Chief Medical Officer at UnitedHealthcare, emphasizes the importance of re-establishing regular routines. She suggests having family dinners as often as possible, setting consistent sleep schedules, and limiting screen time and social media use. “All of those things around consistency help your child feel more confident, and secure and stable, and also promote their health,” Randall explains.
Additionally, Randall encourages parents to foster independence in younger children by teaching them to dress themselves, wash their hands, and perform other basic tasks without assistance, while also ensuring they feel comfortable asking for help when needed.
