As we head into another school year shaped by the pandemic, there are steps you can take to help your kids be physically and mentally prepared. Getting them caught up on appointments and vaccines, listening to their fears, and adopting healthy habits will help your kids — and you — start the school year off on the right foot.

HealthyWomen has compiled the essential information and expert advice you need to know now. Read on to learn more.

Prevention and Screenings

The pandemic has caused many parents to delay routine care, including things like dental cleanings and checkups. Because annual appointments are when many kids receive their scheduled vaccinations, those who missed their yearly checkups may also have missed vaccines. But it's important — and easy! — to get them caught up. Learn which vaccines your child needs before school starts, what herd immunity has to do with your child and more.

Mental Health

As many children go back to school after 18 months of the global pandemic, social isolation and on-and-off remote learning, they too are feeling the additional stress and uncertainty of these times.

4 Tips to Help Kids to Cope With COVID-19 Anxiety

4 Tips to Help Kids to Cope With COVID-19 Anxiety

Bringing Joy Back to the Classroom and Supporting Stressed Kids

Bringing Joy Back to the Classroom and Supporting Stressed Kids

5 Tips From a Play Therapist to Help Kids Express Themselves and Unwind

5 Tips From a Play Therapist to Help Kids Express Themselves and Unwind

Students Are Returning to School With Anxiety, Grief and Gaps in Social Skills \u2013 Will There Be Enough School Mental Health Resources?

Students Are Returning to School With Anxiety, Grief and Gaps in Social Skills – Will There Be Enough School Mental Health Resources?

Nutrition and Wellness

Despite the hustle and bustle that comes with the start of the school year, it's important to establish and stick with good habits.

Good Nutrition Can Contribute to Keeping Covid-19 and Other Diseases Away

Good Nutrition Can Contribute to Keeping Covid-19 and Other Diseases Away

Family Meals Are Good for the Grown-Ups, Too, Not Just the Kids

Family Meals Are Good for the Grown-Ups, Too, Not Just the Kids

All About Periods

"Mommy, what happens if I'm not home when I get my period?" asked Diana Whitney's daughter, 9 years old at the time and already anxious about the prospect of getting her period. For many kids — and parents — who consider periods a source of embarrassment, the last thing they want to do is talk about it. And for families that struggle to afford period products, menstruating increases the likelihood of students missing school. But there are things you can do to help any child with a uterus shed the shame surrounding their cycle, normalize the period conversation and access menstrual products.

Back to You

No matter what self-care looks like to you, it can help you recharge, manage life's challenges and hit the reset button — which can be a much-needed boost to your mental and physical health during the busy school year.

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