ECU Health experts share tips for back-to-school transition

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GREENVILLE, N.C. (WITN) – With the start of the new school year on the horizon, health experts in Eastern Carolina are sharing critical advice to help parents and children transition back to the classroom.

As summer break winds down, routines must shift. Specialists at ECU Health’s Center for Child and Family Wellness say preparing early is the key to a smooth transition.

Alongside healthy meals, reduced screen time, and earlier bedtimes, health professionals emphasize that a parent’s attitude plays a major role in how children adapt.

“Parents have a huge impact on their kids’ mental and emotional well-being,” said Kelli Long, a pediatric psychologist with ECU Health. “So, the more parents can be positive about those things, then I think the better the kids will do.”

For some parents, starting the transition early helps ease the shift.

Stacey Norfleet, a Greenville mother of two, said she begins adjusting her children’s schedules weeks before the first day of school.

“It’s just getting them prepared,” Norfleet said. “Telling them, ‘You go back to school in a couple of weeks, we’ve got to go ahead and start getting you on the schedule, bedtime, and doing the routine so you can be prepared for the next upcoming weeks.’”

Failing to establish those routines early can lead to sleep deprivation once school starts. Virginia Marr, a school health nurse care manager at ECU Health, warned parents to watch for warning signs of tired children.

“Difficulty getting up in the morning,” Marr said, listing common indicators. “A lot of kids sleep in class when they’re not sleeping very well at night. Their teachers will let them know a lot of times if they’re not staying awake in class. Obviously, if they’re getting up the very last minute and running out the door, that’s going to be a sign.”

Experts also highlighted the benefits of eating a balanced breakfast and offering children positive affirmations before they head out the door.

Additionally, health officials recommend including foods from all four major food groups when packing school lunches to keep students energized throughout the day.