The 4B’s of back to school success

The dog days of summer are here, which means the kids are going back to school.

To get the young ones ready for their studies, Cleveland Clinic Children’s Pediatrician Dr. Richard So told VOXXI parents should follow the 4 Bs of Back to School Success – bedtime, breakfast, bathroom and backpack.

“There’s a big transition that goes on with the kids getting them back in what I call school shape,” So said. “For some kids, you want them performing at school at the top of their game. If they don’t get a good night’s sleep or get a good meal at breakfast, they’re not going to perform. They’re going to be sleeping in school, hungry in school.”

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While some kids complain their stomachs hurt in the morning, So stressed a compromise must be found to make sure those students have something – toast with peanut butter or cream cheese on a bagel or just a banana – in their tummy before going to school.

“Remember, your body needs the fuel to function,” So said.

Of the 4 Bs of Back to School Success, the one that invariably doesn’t come to mind often involving children using the bathroom. So said constipation is common in his practice, especially in the first two weeks of school where kids – especially boys – are avoiding the bathroom at school.

As far as the backpack is concerned, keeping it light is imperative. However, when homework dictates, all backpacks get heavy. That’s when So recommends kids learn how to not only pick up their backpack with their legs, not backs, but also put their heaviest books closer to their body.

What isn’t guaranteed about the 4 Bs of Back to School Success is that following the recommendations will lead to As and Bs on report cards.

“No, but it should be an easier transition the first month of school, versus if you don’t follow the Bs, you’re kids could be sleepy and hungry at school,” So said. “They’re focusing on what’s supposed to be learned instead of focusing on ‘I’m hungry, I’m tired.’ You’ll get optimal performance out of your kids.”

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