There are a number of things you can do to ensure your kids have a smooth start to the new school year.

Don't wait until the first day of class to seek help. Schools are open over the summer to address any concerns you or your child might have, and the best time to get help might be one to two weeks before school opens, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP).

The AAP offers these tips on how you can plan ahead for a new school year.

• Talk to your kids about the positive aspects of going back to school, such as seeing old friends and meeting new ones, and the good experiences they've had in the past at school.
• Start your child on a school sleep/wake schedule a week or so before classes start so that they don't have any issues on the first couple of days back at school.
• Try to find other kids in the neighborhood with whom your child can walk to school or ride on the bus.
• If your child is starting at a new school, go to any available orientations and opportunities to tour the school before the first day. Bring your child to the school a few days prior to class to play on the playground and get comfortable in the new setting.
• If you feel it's necessary in order to reduce stress, drive or walk your child to school and back on the first day, and arrive early.

Broward Health, providing service for more than 85 years, is a nationally recognized system in South Florida that offers world-class healthcare to all. The Broward Health system includes the statutory teaching hospital Broward Health Medical Center, Broward Health North, Broward Health Imperial Point, Broward Health Coral Springs, Salah Foundation Children’s Hospital, Broward Health Weston, Broward Health Community Health Services, Broward Health Physician Group, Broward Health Urgent Care, Broward Health International, and Broward Health Foundation. For more information, visit BrowardHealth.org.