Wellstar Pediatric Emergency Departments

The new school year comes with a lot of change for children—a different classroom, teacher, peers, learning material and routine. These changes can cause stress and anxiety in some children and teens, especially if they struggle in school and dread going back.

How to respond to stress

Kids and teens of all ages can feel stress at times, and that’s normal. It’s essentially a signal to get ready for what’s coming. With typical back-to-school stress, a parent or caretaker can help adolescents start the school year with confidence—and gain important coping skills—with the following tips.

1. Listen and validate your child or teen’s feelings.
2. Talk through what they can expect of everything from the morning routine to the bus ride to the school day and dismissal.
3. Visit the school and the classroom, especially if the child is younger or is new to the school.
4. Check in with your child about how the year is going so far.
5. Look ahead at what the rest of the year could be like.

Recognize chronic stress and anxiety

Stress can be good for kids. But on the other hand, chronic stress and anxiety that lasts for more than a few weeks aren’t healthy. In recent years, Wellstar Pediatrician Dr.  Andrew Doyle has noticed a growing number of adolescents, especially females, have anxiety.

“It’s normal to have stress; it’s not normal to have anxiety,” Dr. Doyle said. “Understandably you get nervous with new situations that make you uncomfortable, but you’re still able to do it and have fun. Significant anxiety starts to interfere with a child or teen’s ability to do what they need to do—homework, school, social situations. That’s when it’s helpful to get it checked out.”

In addition to having difficulty participating in and completing activities, signs of anxiety in children and adolescents can include difficulty sleeping, abdominal pain, headaches, significant changes in appetite or an explosive temper.

Effective treatments include lifestyle changes, medication and therapy. For example, lifestyle changes can include getting enough sleep, exercising, eating a healthy diet and planning downtime from social media and life responsibilities.

“Therapy and role-playing can help you recognize your stressors and think through how to handle them ahead of time so you can face those situations,” he said. “For example, on exam day, start with positive self-talk. You can say, ‘I’m feeling nervous. I have a headache and an upset stomach. I know that’s because I’m anxious. I’ve taken many tests before and I can do this, so I don’t need to worry about it.’ Breathing exercises before the test can help you stay calm.”

Start the year strong with a wellness screening

Another way to begin the school year right is to check in on your child’s emotional and physical health. Wellstar pediatricians will get to know your child and help them live their healthiest.

“I try to do whatever I can to help our patients and families so that when they leave my office, I've given them something to hold onto that is going to make life better for them,” Dr. Doyle said.

Find a pediatrician near you and book your child’s back to school exam so they can start the year strong.

A new school year is right around the corner. While kids may be the ones returning to the classroom, parents still have their own homework to do too: making sure their child has a healthy start.

Before heading back to school, Wellstar health experts say it’s more important than ever prioritize your child’s physical and emotional well-being.

“Parents can help their children be prepared for school by starting early,” said Wellstar Pediatrician Dr. Andrew Doyle. “Be sure to speak to your children and address any anxieties they may have now about the new school year.”

“Also, getting them scheduled to see their pediatrician for important screenings and immunizations will help them be their healthiest,” he shared.

As we look forward to the Fourth of July holiday, fireworks, swimming, and grilling offer plenty of fun summer activities for families across Georgia. However, it's important to be cautious with fireworks, which can quickly turn your Independence Day celebrations sour.

While public fireworks displays have safety measures in place, fireworks at home may be less safe, especially for kids. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, an estimated 14,700 people were injured by fireworks in 2024, with burns accounting for 37% of all emergency room visits.

Dr. Joanna Dolgoff, a Wellstar pediatrician and representative for the American Academy of Pediatrics, warns that the most common injury from fireworks is a hand burn.

“But it can be worse, such as a hand fracture, cuts or even the loss of a finger,” she said. “Facial injuries, including burns and eye injuries, are also common. If you're going to handle fireworks, please be very careful.”

Dr. Earl Stewart Jr., an internal medicine physician and medical director of health equity with Wellstar Health System, has seen many times how climate and extreme weather can impact health. He reminds families that summer celebrations can bring a range of seasonal health risks.

“We often see more water-related injuries this time of year, such as drownings, boating accidents, and even head or spine injuries from diving into shallow water,” he said. “And with Georgia’s extreme heat, it’s important to plan ahead to avoid heat exhaustion, heat stroke and sunburns. Even surfaces like metal components of playground equipment and seat belts can cause burns after they’ve been exposed to the sun for long periods.”

Dr. Stewart also noted the importance of being mindful of summer pests and plants.

“Insect bites, allergic reactions, poison ivy, bee stings and even snake bites can quickly turn a fun day outdoors into a medical emergency. Vigilance and preparation equate to staying safe and alive,” he said.

As for sparklers, Dr. Dolgoff cautions parents not to underestimate their danger.

“Sparklers burn at about 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit—hot enough to melt some metals. They account for a high percentage of injuries, emergency room visits, and fires every year. The sparks can cause burns and eye injuries.”

She also recommends soaking used sparklers in a bucket of water before discarding them.

If your family plans to participate in Fourth of July activities, remember the word FIRE with these essential safety tips:

• Families: Never hold a lit firework in your hand or point it at another person. Children should never handle fireworks, including sparklers.
• Injury: Only light fireworks outdoors, away from people, homes and flammable materials. Wear protective eyewear to prevent eye injuries.
• Run Away: Move away quickly after lighting a firework. Don’t light more than one at a time and never try to re-light a dud.
• Extinguish: Keep a bucket of water nearby to douse fireworks that don’t go off or cause a mishap. Soak both used and unused fireworks before discarding.