The first few months of school often bring excitement, fresh routines, and new friendships. But as the calendar fills with homework, sports practices, music lessons, and social activities, many families find themselves in a different kind of transition about a month in—shifting from “new” to “busy.” It’s during this time that balancing schedules, keeping healthy habits, and ensuring everyone gets enough rest becomes the real challenge.

Even when the day starts smoothly, after-school schedules can change from one day to the next. Monday may involve rushing to soccer practice, Tuesday may be full of homework, and Wednesday might mean a late return from a game or rehearsal. This variety can make it difficult to keep a consistent bedtime routine, but sleep remains one of the most important factors in your child’s academic performance, mood, and overall health. School-age children typically need 9–12 hours of sleep each night, and teens need about 8–10. Without it, concentration, behavior, and even immune function can suffer.

To help your child adapt to these fluctuating evenings, try anchoring certain parts of their routine. For example, keep a consistent “wind-down” period which could include reading, putting together a puzzle, or listening to calm music before bed, no matter what time they get home. Encourage them to avoid screens at least 60 minutes before sleep, since blue light can make it harder to fall asleep.

Alongside rest, healthy fuel is key to keeping up with a busy pace. Active kids need regular hydration and balanced meals that include protein, whole grains, fruits, and vegetables. Packing a water bottle and offering healthy snacks—like cheese sticks, fruit, or trail mix—can prevent the energy crashes that lead to crankiness or poor focus.

Don’t forget movement outside of organized sports. If a practice gets canceled or your child does not participate in a sport, a quick walk, bike ride, or time at the playground gives the body and brain a boost. Physical activity supports mental health, helps manage stress, and can even improve sleep quality.

This mid-semester adjustment period is a perfect time to pause, reassess your family’s schedule, and make small changes that protect the essentials such as sleep, nutrition, hydration, and unstructured downtime. By setting these healthy rhythms now, you help your child build habits that will serve them well long after this school year ends. Need extra resources? Send us a message through the patient portal, or check out this article from the AAP.

As the back-to-school season approaches, you may be focused on shopping lists, school supplies, and class schedules. But just as important as notebooks and new shoes is preparing your child’s health and well-being for the school year ahead. Making sure your child is well-rested, well-fed, and emotionally prepared helps support their focus, behavior, and overall school performance.

Start with Sleep:

Did you know that kids produce the most growth hormone while they sleep?

That means bedtime isn’t just for rest, it’s when their bodies are busy growing.Over the summer, it’s common for bedtimes to drift later and wake times to follow. But restful, consistent sleep is essential not only for growing, but also learning, memory, focus, and mood. Begin gradually shifting your child’s sleep schedule back to school-night hours about two weeks before school starts. Aim for a bedtime that allows your child to get the recommended hours of sleep (9–12 hours for ages 6–12, and 8–10 hours for teens). Establish a calming nighttime routine, and limit screens at least an hour before bed.

Pack Power-Packed Lunches:

A balanced lunch helps fuel your child’s brain and body for the school day. Include a variety of whole foods: lean protein (like turkey, hummus, or cheese), complex carbs (whole grain bread, crackers, or pasta), fruits, veggies, and a healthy fat like avocado or nut butter. Let kids help pack their lunches when possible as it helps build independence and increases the chances they’ll actually eat what’s inside. Don’t forget to include a water bottle to keep them hydrated throughout the day. School-age children typically need about 5–8 cups of water per day, while teens may need 8–11 cups especially if they’re active or playing sports.

Support Emotional Wellness:

Returning to school often comes with a mix of changes such as new teachers, routines, and social dynamics which can be stressful for some kids. Regular check-ins can help you catch early signs of anxiety or difficulty adjusting. Ask specific, open-ended questions about school, peers, and daily routines. Keep consistent schedules at home to reduce stress, and if your child seems unusually anxious, withdrawn, or overwhelmed, consider speaking with your pediatric provider here at Fairhope Pediatrics or school counselor for guidance.

Autism Awareness Month just passed and offered an opportunity for families and communities to learn more about autism, its characteristics, and the importance of early intervention. As your pediatric care provider, we aim to support your child’s development and health, which is why we encourage parents to utilize wellness visits to monitor their child’s progress.

What is Autism Spectrum Disorder?

Autism is a developmental disorder that affects social interaction, communication, and behavior. The spectrum includes a wide range of abilities and challenges. Children with autism may face difficulties with verbal communication, social interactions, sensory sensitivities, or engage in repetitive behaviors. Identifying the signs of autism early can lead to better outcomes, as early interventions help children build skills and progress in key areas.

Why Early Screening is Important

Autism screenings during wellness visits are essential for detecting developmental concerns early on. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that all children receive routine developmental screenings at their well-child visits, particularly at ages 18 months and 24 months. These screenings help pediatricians assess whether a child is meeting developmental milestones and can highlight potential signs of autism. Early detection is crucial because the earlier a child receives support, the more effective interventions can be in promoting development in areas like language, social skills, and behavior.

What to Expect During a Screening

Autism screenings are generally brief and involve observing your child’s behavior and interactions or having you fill out a few questions on an online questionnaire. The pediatrician may ask questions about your child’s speech, eye contact, play habits, and social interactions. If the screening suggests concerns, further evaluations or referrals to specialists may be recommended.

Promoting Understanding of Autism

We encourage everyone to learn more about autism and promote understanding. Autism is one part of an individual’s identity, and it’s important to support children with autism by fostering inclusive environments. Whether or not your child shows signs of autism, our office is here to assist you in navigating their developmental path with care and guidance.

If you have concerns about your child’s development, we encourage you to contact our office and schedule a wellness visit. Early screenings can help ensure your child is on track.

Puberty can feel like a confusing time for both boys and parents. 

As your son starts going through those big changes, you might be wondering when and how to bring it up. The good news is, you don’t need to have “the talk” all at once. In fact, it’s better to have a series of conversations over time as their body is changing and their understanding is growing. Here’s a simple guide to help you get started.

Start Early—You Don’t Have to Wait for “The Talk”

Puberty begins earlier than most people realize—often around 9 or 10 years old for boys. It’s a great time to start talking about the changes your son will experience in a simple and straightforward way. Let him know that his body is going to grow in different ways, like getting taller, developing more muscle, and starting to grow hair in new places. Talking early gives him a chance to feel more comfortable with the idea before the changes start happening.

Create an Open, Comfortable Space for Questions

Your son will likely have a lot of questions about puberty, and he may feel awkward asking them. That’s completely normal. Approach the topic with an open mind and make sure he knows it’s okay to ask anything. You can keep it light while still giving honest, age-appropriate answers. For example, if he asks why boys grow facial hair, just say, “It’s part of growing up and becoming an adult. Your body is pumping out more hormones”

When They Get to Middle School—It’s Time to Dig Deeper

Around ages 11 or 12, things start to get more noticeable, both physically and emotionally. Your son may be feeling more self-conscious or experiencing mood swings. This is the time to get into the nitty-gritty—talk about hygiene, body odor, and the importance of taking care of his changing body. Be ready to discuss bigger topics too, like emotional changes, relationships, and even sexuality. You don’t need to give him all the details at once, but laying a foundation of trust and openness now will make him feel more comfortable coming to you with questions later on.

It’s Not Just About the Body—It’s About Emotions Too

Puberty isn’t just physical; there are a lot of emotional changes that come with it. Your son might experience mood swings or feel more sensitive than usual. Reassure him that this is all part of growing up and that it’s okay to feel a bit out of sorts. Let him know that it’s normal to have mixed emotions as his body goes through these changes—and that talking about it can help.

Puberty doesn’t have to be a scary or awkward topic. Keep the conversation open and honest, and remember that it’s okay to take things slow. If you ever feel uncertain or need more guidance, our pediatric team is always here to help with advice and support.

Mental illness in children can often be subtle and may manifest differently than in adults. It’s essential to detect early signs and offer appropriate support. This guide will help you understand what mental illness in children might look like and how to effectively address it.

1. Emotional Changes

Children experiencing mental health issues might show dramatic shifts in mood. This could include persistent sadness, irritability, or extreme mood swings. For example, a previously cheerful child might become unusually withdrawn or seem perpetually anxious.

2. Behavioral Changes

Behavioral indicators are among the most noticeable signs. Watch for drastic changes in behavior such as sudden aggression, defiance, or withdrawal from previously enjoyed activities. For instance, a child who once enjoyed socializing may start avoiding friends or family gatherings.

3. Academic Struggles

Mental health issues can impact a child’s ability to perform academically. This might manifest as a sudden decline in grades, difficulty concentrating, or a lack of interest in schoolwork. If your child is suddenly struggling with assignments or showing signs of academic disinterest, it could be related to an underlying issue.

4. Physical Symptoms

Sometimes mental health issues present with physical symptoms like frequent headaches, stomachaches, or changes in appetite or sleep patterns. These symptoms can often be linked to stress, anxiety, or depression.

5. Persistent Worry or Fear

Excessive worry or fear that interferes with daily functioning can be another indicator. For instance, a child who is excessively anxious about school, social situations, or other typical activities might be experiencing anxiety or another related condition.

Addressing the Issue

If you notice these signs in your child, it’s important to offer an understanding ear and be the support they need. Open a dialogue with your child about their feelings and experiences. We also recommend seeking advice from a pediatric provider who specializes in childhood disorders. Fairhope Pediatrics has pediatric providers that are well trained in handling common mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, ADHD, and eating disorders.  Screening tools can be used by your child’s provider to assess and help guide treatment of these common mental health problems. Early intervention can make a significant difference in a child’s mental health journey so contact our office today to schedule an appointment.