Beechler discovered his desire for medical education early in life. Having a sibling who faced a lot of illnesses at a young age led him to want to be a pediatrician. During high school, Ryan White was a classmate and friend during White's battle to stay in school with his HIV diagnosis. Visiting White at Riley Hospital for Children was the first time Beechler had set foot at Riley. These early childhood experiences shaped Beechler's medical career.
Beechler’s advice for this back-to-school season
Question: What developmental milestones or skills should caregivers pay attention to as children prepare to return to the classroom?
Billy Beechler: One of the things that is very important for academic and social success is having nice communication. Especially being able to ask questions and understand instructions, which is not always verbal communication. There are a lot of kids who use different kinds of communication devices that can lower frustration and help with understanding. Some kids use sign language. Some kids use picture exchange programs. The key is being able to understand what information is being presented to you and then having the ability to ask questions and to interact with others about your own feelings, anxieties and your questions. If you have any concerns about a child's ability to communicate or understand, it’s important to talk with your primary care doctor or school administrator about having assessments.
How can caregivers distinguish between typical back-to-school nerves and anxiety or behavioral changes that may warrant additional support?
Beechler: When you're first starting school, there's a lot of anxiety. Some kids can pick up their parents' anxiety, too. As a parent, just letting your kid get on that bus or go into that building can be hard. Public libraries have great resources of books and videos that can help caregivers start talking about school, what school is like, the types of things kids do in school and the types of friends at school. Children's librarians are great resources. Go in with a list of “these are the things that I kind of want to talk to my child about.” They will give you so many wonderful resources.
Parents should give children some time to relax after school before asking about their day. Mealtimes and bedtimes can be calmer opportunities to talk about their experiences, feelings and any concerns. If a child shows physical symptoms like frequent headaches or stomach aches, refuses to go to school, or seems very anxious and unable to talk about what is bothering them, parents should consider speaking with a doctor or mental health professional who can help the child safely express their concerns.
Q: How can parents and caregivers create a positive attitude toward the school year without putting pressure on children to feel excited or successful right away?
Beechler: Emphasizing the fun things that your child can learn at school. One of the key things is the beginning of the school year, and those last few weeks of summer, is taking the time to turn off screens and just do things together. Having a little bit of time every day, every evening, where you just can read a book together or play a game together, just scheduling that time and then making sure that it's carved out can be important.
Q: What can caregivers do at home to support the social, emotional, cognitive and physical development children are working on at school?
Beechler: Sleep is very important, and keeping digital devices away from the bedside can help reduce the temptation to use them at night. For younger children, having screen-free downtime before bed, such as reading or playing quietly in low light, can help prepare them for sleep. A consistent bedtime routine, including activities like taking a bath, brushing teeth, reading a story, or talking about the day, can help children feel secure and make bedtime less of a struggle. Parents also need time for rest and self-care so they can better support their families. For homework, having a quiet, distraction-free space can be helpful and children may benefit from having a short break after getting home before starting their work. Since every family has different schedules and responsibilities, routines need to be flexible and realistic. Most importantly, families should remember that they do not have to follow these recommendations perfectly. Some days will be difficult and that is okay; the goal is simply to keep trying and find routines that work best for your family.
Q: If a caregiver could focus on just three things to help their child have a healthy and successful transition back to school, what would you recommend?
Beechler: I would encourage them to follow Maslow's hierarchy of needs. One is making sure that they are getting enough sleep. Two is making sure that before they go to school, they can either eat something at home or at school. Three is just showing support. That is sometimes as important as eating and sleeping just taking the time to sometimes be quiet at times and just listen. Try not to jump into things, not barrage them with a bunch of questions, but just take the time to stop and listen to your kids. I think eating, sleeping and listening are the three most important things.
Q: When should a caregiver reach out to their pediatrician or another professional if they have concerns about their child's development, behavior or adjustment to school?
Beechler: Parents should pay attention when their child is consistently experiencing physical or emotional changes that seem unusual for them, as this may indicate that something more serious is going on. As children get older, especially during their teenage years, parents should continue to provide support while also allowing them some privacy and independence. It is important for teenagers to have opportunities to speak with doctors or other professionals on their own so they can ask questions openly and discuss concerns they may not feel comfortable sharing with their parents. Although giving children this space can be difficult for parents, it is an important part of their development, independence and ability to take responsibility for their own health.
Parting words to guide the back-to-school transition
In addition to taking care of children's needs, Beechler encourages parents and caregivers to be mindful of their own mental health and wellness and to reach out to professionals for support if present-day challenges and anxieties begin to feel overwhelming during back-to-school season.
"By recognizing that it is okay to not be okay and seeking help when needed, parents can better manage their own emotional well-being and, in turn, be more present and supportive for their children," he said. "Taking care of your mental health is not a weakness; it is an important part of being a healthy and effective parent and caregiver."
