Arbor Pediatrics provides high-quality, personalized medical care for infants, children, and adolescents in Southlake, TX.

As kids head back to school, overloaded backpacks can become a pain—literally.

A backpack that is too heavy can contribute to back, neck, and shoulder discomfort, poor posture, and muscle strain.

A good rule of thumb is that a backpack should weigh no more than 10–15% of your child`s body weight.

Encourage your child to:
- Wear both shoulder straps instead of slinging the bag over one shoulder
- Use padded shoulder straps when possible
- Place heavier items closest to the back
- Clean out unnecessary items regularly
- Use a rolling backpack if permitted by the school and appropriate for their needs

While backpacks do not typically cause permanent back damage in healthy children, carrying excessive weight can certainly lead to discomfort and poor posture habits.

If your child regularly complains of back, neck, or shoulder pain, mention it at their next visit. We can help determine if their backpack, posture, growth, or another issue may be contributing.

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An emergency room visit can be stressful, and many parents are surprised when we recommend a follow-up appointment afterward.

Even when your child is feeling better, an ER follow-up allows your child’s provider to review test results, monitor recovery, ensure medications are working as expected, and determine whether any additional care is needed.

Your child’s provider also knows your child`s medical history, growth patterns, and ongoing health concerns, which helps us provide continuity of care after an emergency visit. In some cases, follow-up appointments help identify issues that may not have been apparent during the initial ER evaluation.

Has your child recently visited the emergency room? Call our office to see if a follow-up appointment is recommended and let us help coordinate the next steps in their care.

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Summer schedules can be fun, but late nights and sleeping in can make the first weeks of school a challenge.

The good news?

A gradual sleep reset can help make the transition smoother for the whole family.

About 2 weeks before school starts, begin moving bedtime and wake-up time earlier by 10–15 minutes every few days until your child is waking up at their school-year schedule.

Consistent wake times are often more important than bedtime when it comes to resetting the body`s internal clock.

The American Academy of Sleep Medicine recommends:
- Preschoolers (3–5 years): 10–13 hours
- School-age children (6–12 years): 9–12 hours
- Teenagers (13–18 years): 8–10 hours

A well-rested child is more likely to have better attention, mood, learning, and behavior in the classroom.

If your child struggles with falling asleep, staying asleep, or waking up for school, bring it up at their next visit. The providers at Arbor Pediatrics are here to assist.

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Packing school lunches can feel repetitive, but a balanced lunch doesn`t have to be complicated.

A simple goal is to include a protein, fruit or vegetable, whole grain, and drink to help keep kids fueled throughout the school day.

Here are a few ideas:
- Protein: turkey roll-ups, grilled chicken, cheese cubes, hard-boiled eggs, hummus, peanut butter (if allowed)
- Fruits & vegetables: berries, grapes, apple slices, cucumber slices, carrots, bell peppers
- Whole grains: whole wheat crackers, pita bread, tortillas, pasta salad
- Fun extras: yogurt, trail mix (if allowed), popcorn, cottage cheese

For younger children, smaller portions and finger foods are often easier to manage. For teens, consider larger portions and additional protein to support growth, sports, and busy schedules.

Remember, lunch doesn`t have to look like a Pinterest masterpiece to be nutritious. Consistency and variety over time are what matter most.

Share your family`s favorite lunchbox idea in the comments.

You may help another parent solve the daily ""what`s for lunch?"" dilemma.

817-865-3564
arborpediatrics.com

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Believe it or not, a successful school year starts before the first day of class.

The week leading up to school is a great time to help children ease back into routines. Start adjusting bedtimes and wake times before school begins, practice morning routines, and make sure backpacks, school supplies, and paperwork are ready to go. For younger children, talking about what to expect can help ease first-day jitters, while older children may benefit from discussing goals and expectations for the new school year.

Remember that transitions can be challenging, and it`s normal for children to experience a mix of excitement and anxiety as school approaches.

Need vaccines or school forms? Call today or visit our website to find out important information.

817-865-3564
arborpediatrics.com

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Head lice are common among school-age children, but there are still many misconceptions about them.

Myth: Lice mean a child has poor hygiene.
Fact: Lice can affect anyone and are not related to cleanliness. They spread through close head-to-head contact.

Myth: Everything in the house must be thrown away or deeply sanitized.
Fact: Basic cleaning of bedding, hats, brushes, and recently used items is usually enough. Lice do not survive long away from the scalp.

Myth: Children with lice should be excluded from school for long periods.
Fact: Many schools no longer follow strict “no-nit” policies because lice are common and not considered a health hazard.

Treatment options may include over-the-counter lice shampoos, prescription treatments, and careful nit removal. Following directions closely and checking household contacts is important.

Want to make sure you are treating your child’s lice correctly? Call to chat with one of our phone nurses.

817-865-3564
arborpediatrics.com

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