YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio - Back to school season is fast approaching, and Mercy Health has some tips for families to make sure their children's back to school transitions are as smooth as possible.

Physicians recommend parents to create a back-to-school game plan to make sure students are ready to tackle the new school year, both physically and mentally.

Dr. Michelle Dockry of Mercy Health acknowledges that for some, getting back into the routine of a school schedule could be difficult for some, but assures parents there are ways to prepare during the summer.

"Thoughtful steps now can make for a much easier and more successful transition into the school year," Dr. Dockry said.

Firstly, Dr. Dockry suggests parents to schedule a back-to-school wellness visit for a checkup to ensure that appropriate vaccines have been administered.

"Depending on the child's age, there are recommended vaccines that students need before returning to school," Dr. Dockry said.

Dr. Dockry adds that these checkups are also a good time to check with your health care provider about any and all concerns to make sure your child is starting the school year off healthy.

Also, if your child is an athlete or is interested in getting into school athletics, physicals are often required. Dr. Dockry recommends parents to talk with their health care providers to find out what exactly to expect with these.

Back to school also entails earlier wakeup times than what a child may have gotten used to during the summer. To ensure your child is ready for this transition, Dr. Dockry recommends starting a more regular sleep schedule a week or two before school starts back up.

In addition, it's important to support your child's mental health, as learning requires a health mind. If your child struggles with anxiety, depression or other mental health challenges, creating a sense of belonging and building strong relationships among students, teachers and parents could be beneficial.

Younger students may not have the best grasp on opening certain containers or food items served during lunch.

That's why it's important to practice opening these containers with your child if these items will be packed in their lunch or are regularly served on the school menu. Students have a limited time for lunch and this may be their first encounter with a struggle like this.

Other skills for younger students to practice include buttoning clothing, zipping backpacks and clothing and tying shoes. This would allow teachers more time to teach if they don't have to assist with this.

Some social skills to teach younger kids include appropriate discussion topics.

Parents should teach their children to understand that not all children may be comfortable with talks about violence or other topics they may see in video games, movies, etc. and this could cause anxiety or discomfort when talking about it in an unfamiliar environment with someone they don't know.

Finally, parents of younger kids should teach their children about personal space and keeping hands to themselves.

Older children and teens are recommended to review bus and class schedules, supplies, etc. available on the schools website ahead of time.

Parents of older children and teens should have a conversation about how friends could change if they are changing buildings in a new school year and email teachers and counselors with any questions so they are aware of their child's needs.

Finally, it's important to remember that the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic continue to impact how children learn despite life slowly returning to normal.

Make sure your child feels supported and motivated at the start to help promote success all year long.