The school year is here. Is your family ready?

In the first episode of For Kids' Sake, Cook Children's pediatrician Diane Arnaout, M.D., shares practical advice to help families navigate the transition from summer break to the classroom.

From resetting sleep schedules and easing first-day anxiety to understanding school vaccines and preparing for cold and flu season, this episode covers the essentials every parent and caregiver should know before the school bell rings.

You'll learn:

• Why sleep should be at the top of every back-to-school checklist
• How to help anxious children feel more confident about a new school year
• The signs your child may be struggling with back-to-school stress
• What vaccines and preventive health measures parents should discuss with their pediatrician
• Simple ways to build healthy routines that support learning and emotional well-being
• How to prepare your home for inevitable school-year germs and illnesses

Plus, in our "Asking for a Friend" segment, Dr. Arnaout answers a question many parents quietly wonder about: Is it okay if my child eats the same lunch every day?

Whether you're sending a child to kindergarten or high school, this episode will help your family start the school year healthy and confident.

Subscribe to For Kids' Sake for trusted parenting advice from Cook Children's doctors, nurses and clinicians.