Expert says to start getting ready for the school routine before classes start

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

Now is the time to start adjusting students' bedtimes if you haven't started already, an MU Health Care pediatrician said Thursday.

Dr. Christopher Wilhelm told reporters via Zoom that earlier bedtimes and structured routines before school begins are a good way to ease the transition from summer.

"Children thrive on routine, I know I thrive in a routine," Wilhelm said. "So getting that start a couple of weeks in advance is probably key to their success and starting their school year out right."

According to the CDC, the start of a new school year can mean lots of changes and new routines that can cause students to feel stressed.

Experts also recommend students be up-to-date on vaccines and general health screenings as well as practice healthy eating habits. While extracurricular activities are important, getting adequate sleep and food is crucial.

"We put our kids in so many activities so that they finish school and they sometimes still have homework, Wilhelm said. "Then they're doing that to 9 [p.m.] and then they're doing their homework after that and they still haven't eaten."

For mental health, Wilhelm encourages students and parents to unplug and spend time with one another. This not only introduces healthy habits, it also lets parents check on their kids and gives students a break from school life.

"How about we go for a walk? How about we have dinner as a family?" Wilhelm said. "Asking your children, 'Hey, how's everything going?' and then listening to their answer, it's probably one of the most important things we can do as parents.

Columbia Public Schools classes begin Aug. 20.