More Than a Backpack: Preparing the Whole Child for Back-to-School

By: Aprill Murphy

By Kelli Ray, PA-C

As a provider and a parent, I know August brings more than new shoes and sharpened pencils. It also brings nerves, routines, and silent questions many kids carry in their hearts: Will I make friends? Will I keep up? Will I be okay?

Back-to-school isn’t just a physical transition — it’s an emotional one too. At Boone County Health Center, we care for the whole child. That means checking vision, managing allergies, treating sports injuries — yes — but it also means supporting mental health, sleep habits, nutrition, and family well-being.

If your child hasn’t had their annual check-up, now is the time. A wellness visit helps us catch small things before they become big problems. A child struggling to see the board might act out from frustration. A student who’s always tired may not need discipline — they may need sleep. Even persistent tummy aches can sometimes be a sign of anxiety, not illness.

Parents, you know your child best. If something seems off, don’t wait to reach out. Our care team is here to help — not just when someone is sick, but to keep them well and thriving. You don’t need to have all the answers. Sometimes, a safe place to ask questions is all a child — or a parent — really needs.

This school year, give your child more than a backpack. Give them the tools that truly prepare them: steady sleep, nutritious meals, open conversations, and time to just be kids. And give yourself grace, too. You’re doing better than you think.

From all of us at BCHC, we’re cheering you on this school year. Let’s make it a healthy one — together.