Back-to-school season can bring excitement, stress, and a lot of questions for both kids and parents. Whether your child is starting kindergarten, transitioning to a new school, or feeling nervous about a new teacher, the return to school can be a big adjustment for the whole family.

In this episode of Kids' Health Uncomplicated, host Dr. Patty Manning sits down with Cincinnati Children's psychologist Dr. Melissa Foti-Hoff to discuss how families can help children feel confident, prepared, and ready for a successful school year. Drawing from years of experience working directly with students, teachers, and school staff, Dr. Foti-Hoff shares practical strategies for managing back-to-school anxiety, building school readiness skills, and helping kids navigate big transitions.

From sleep schedules and school routines to handling worries and building confidence, this conversation offers practical guidance for parents who want to set their children up for success both inside and outside the classroom.

You'll learn:

• How to recognize signs of back-to-school anxiety in children

• Ways to help kids adjust to new schools, teachers, and routines

• Why school readiness is about more than academics

• Simple ways to practice important skills like waiting, taking turns, and asking for help

• How parents can avoid unintentionally passing their own anxiety onto their children

• What to do when a teacher raises concerns about learning, behavior, or school performance

• Why sleep may be one of the most important back-to-school tools for success