Back to School 2025
Pg. 2 - Think your child has ADHD? What your pediatrician can do
Pg. 2 - Reducing teen’s risk of diabetes
Pg. 3 - Concussion in children: What to know and do
Pg. 3 - What is a tonsillectomy and who needs one?
Pg. 5 - Environmental Nutrition: Fruit and veggie snacks
Pg. 6. - 7 comforting foods to eat when you’re sick
Pg. 6 - Seriously Simple: Chocolate-dipped strawberries are fun to make and especially kid-friendly
Pg. 7 - Environmental Nutrition: Let’s discuss granola bars/breakfast bars
Pg. 7 - This grab-and-go breakfast is so easy
Pg. 8 - A financial checklist for students
Pg. 8 - Check your college’s financial health
This special publication was produced by the advertising department of Anchorage Daily News. The ADN newsroom was not involved in its production.
Think your child has ADHD? What your pediatrician can do
Claire McCarthy, M.D., Harvard Health Blog, Premium Health News Service
ADHD, or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, is the most common neurobehavioral disorder of childhood. It affects approximately 7% to 8% of all children and youth in the US. As the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) points out in their clinical practice guideline for ADHD, that’s more than the mental health system can handle, which means that pediatricians need to step up and help out.
So, if your child is having problems with attention, focus, hyperactivity, impulsivity, or some combination of those, and is at least 4 years old, your first step should be an appointment with your child’s primary care doctor.
What steps will your pediatrician take?
According to the AAP, here’s what your doctor should do: Take a history. Your doctor should ask you lots of questions about what is going on. Be ready to give details and examples.
• Ask you to fill out a questionnaire about your child. Your doctor should also give you a questionnaire to give to your child’s teacher or guidance counselor.
A diagnosis of ADHD is made only if a child has symptoms that are: present in more than one setting: For most children, that would be both home and school. If symptoms are only present in one setting, it’s less likely to be ADHD and more likely to be related to that setting. For example, a child who only has problems at school may have a learning disability. causing a problem in both of those settings: If a child is active and/or easily distracted, but is getting good grades, isn’t causing problems in class, and has good relationships in school and at home, there is not a problem. It bears watching, but it could be just personality or temperament.
There are ADHD rating scales that have been studied and shown to be reliable, such as the Vanderbilt and the Conners assessments. These scales can be very helpful, not just in making diagnoses, but also in following the progress of a child over time.
Screen your child for other problems. There are problems that can mimic ADHD, such as learning disabilities, depression, or even hearing problems. Additionally, children who have ADHD can also have learning disabilities,
Reducing teen’s risk of diabetes
Christine Nguyen, D.O.,
depression, or substance use. It’s important to ask enough questions and get enough information to be sure.
Discussing treatment options for ADHD
If a diagnosis of ADHD is made, your pediatrician should discuss treatment options with you.
• For 4- and 5-year-olds: The best place to begin is really with parent training on managing behavior, and getting support in the classroom. Medications should only be considered in this age group if those interventions don’t help, and the child’s symptoms are causing significant problems.
• For 6- to 12-year-olds: Along with parent training and behavioral support, medications can be very helpful. Primary care providers can prescribe one of the FDA-approved medications for ADHD (stimulants, atomoxetine, guanfacine, or clonidine). In this age group, formal classroom support in the form of an Individualized Education Program (IEP) or a 504 plan should be in place. For 12- to 18-year-olds: The same school programs and behavioral health support should be in place. Medications can be helpful, but teens should be part of that decision process; shared decision-making is an important part of caring for teens, and for getting them ready to take on their own care when they become adults.
Follow-up care for a child with ADHD
Your pediatrician also should follow up with you and your child. Early on, there should be frequent visits while you figure out the diagnosis, as well as any other possible problems. And if medication is prescribed, frequent visits are needed initially as you figure out the best medication and dose and monitor for side effects.
After that, the frequency of the visits will depend on how things are going, but appointments should be regular and scheduled, not just made to respond to a problem. ADHD can be a lifelong problem, bringing different challenges at different times, and it’s important that you, your child, and your doctor meet regularly so that you can best meet those challenges.
Claire McCarthy, M.D., is a senior faculty editor at Harvard Health Publishing.
DEAR MAYO CLINIC: I am a 40-year-old overweight woman diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes a little over a year ago. I have become more mindful about the food our family eats, limiting sugar and incorporating more fruits and vegetables into meals at home. Recently, though, I learned my 14-year-old daughter has been “snacking” on spoons of granulated sugar daily. What can I do to reduce her risk for diabetes and reduce her addiction to sugar?
ANSWER: Adherence to a strict diet can be challenging, regardless of the reason. While the road may be bumpy, you should be proud of your efforts to manage your illness and set a good example for your family to be more healthful. Having received a diagnosis of diabetes certainly makes you more aware of sugar, but ingesting a lot of sugar will not directly cause a diagnosis of diabetes.
The body uses sugar as fuel and diabetes is a condition where the body has trouble managing blood sugar levels. Type 2 diabetes happens because there is a breakdown in how the body regulates and uses sugar.
When we have sugar in the bloodstream, insulin typically is released from the pancreas to help break down the sugar and carry it to the cells in our body.
In Type 2 diabetes, there is a breakdown in the process. Instead of moving into the cells, sugar builds up in the blood. As blood sugar levels rise, the pancreas releases more insulin. Eventually, the cells in the pancreas that make insulin become damaged and can’t make enough insulin to meet the body’s needs.
If you have not shared with your daughter your diagnosis, she may not be aware of why you have made dietary changes. Start by telling her what Type 2 diabetes is and the importance of healthy food choices.
Also, talk with her about her risk of developing the condition. The main risk for developing Type 2 diabetes is being overweight. Being inactive and having a family history also elevates her risk.
Here are some strategies to help your daughter overcome her sugar addiction:
• Encourage your daughter to join you in making better choices and get her involved by asking her
to help plan menus, go grocery shopping with you or cook.
• Identify healthier alternatives to satisfy her sweet tooth. Swap sugary snacks for things like fresh fruits, yogurt or nuts. And don’t forget to mix and match — such as a bowl of fresh berries with a piece of dark chocolate, or a cup of plain yogurt with a drizzle of honey and sprinkle of cinnamon on top.
• Gradually reduce the amount of sugar in recipes when baking or cooking. Experiment with alternatives like honey or maple syrup.
• Replace sugary beverages like soda, fruit juices and energy drinks. Keep a supply on hand of tea or naturally flavored water instead. Read labels and limit the amount of processed foods you buy. These often contain hidden or excess sugar.
• Make physical activity a priority. The less active a person is, the greater the risk of diabetes. Physical activity helps control weight, uses up glucose as energy and makes cells more sensitive to insulin. Make family outings more active by walking, hiking or biking together.
As a parent, you are an important role model for your daughter. Continue to show her how to make healthier choices by practicing them yourself. Also, share your experiences and challenges with managing diabetes and emphasize the importance of a healthy lifestyle.
It may be helpful to speak to your daughter’s pediatrician or healthcare professional to get a baseline of her blood glucose, weight and cholesterol. They can also be a resource to provide more tailored suggestions. But remember, small, consistent changes, as you have likely found, are the key to success. — Christine Nguyen, D.O., Family Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, Florida Mayo Clinic Q & A is an educational resource and doesn’t replace regular medical care. This Mayo Clinic Q&A represents inquiries this healthcare expert has received from patients. For more information, visit www. mayoclinic.org.
Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, Premium Health News Service
Concussion in children: What to know and do
Claire McCarthy, M.D., Harvard Health Blog, Premium Health News Service
Concussion is one of the most common injuries to the brain, affecting about two million children and teens every year. It is a particular kind of injury that happens when a blow to the head or somewhere else on the body makes the brain move back and forth within the skull.
It’s possible to get a concussion after what might seem like a minor injury, like a forceful push from behind, or a collision between two players in a football or soccer game.
What are the signs and symptoms of concussion?
Because the injury may not seem that significant from the outside, it’s important to know the symptoms of a concussion. There are many different possible symptoms, including: passing out (this could be a sign of a more serious brain injury)
• headache • dizziness changes in vision feeling bothered by light or noise confusion or feeling disoriented
• memory problems (such as difficulty remembering details of the injury) or difficulty concentrating
• balance or coordination problems mood changes.
Some of these are visible to others and some are felt by the person with the concussion. That’s why it’s important to know the signs and to ask all the right questions of a child who has had an injury.
Sometimes the symptoms might not be apparent right away, but show up in the days following the injury. The CDC’s Heads Up website has lots of great information about how to recognize a concussion.
How can further harm to the brain be avoided?
The main reason it’s important to recognize a possible concussion early is that the worst thing you can do after getting a concussion is get another one. The brain is vulnerable after a concussion; if it is injured again, the symptoms can be longer lasting — or even permanent, as in cases of chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), a condition that has been seen in football players and others who have repeated head injuries.
If there is a chance that a child has had a concussion during a sports competition, they must stop playing — and get medical attention. It’s important to get medical attention any time there is concern about a possible concussion, both to be sure there isn’t a more serious brain injury, and to do a good assessment of the symptoms, so that they can be monitored over time. There are some screening questionnaires that are used by doctors that can be used again in the days and weeks after the concussion to see how the child is improving.
What helps children recover after a concussion?
Experts have struggled with figuring out how to protect the brain after a concussion. For a long time, the recommendation was to rest and do very little at all. This meant not doing any exercise, not going to school, not even reading or watching television. As symptoms improved, the restrictions were lifted gradually.
Over time, though, research showed that not only was this much rest not necessary, it was counterproductive. It turns out that getting kids back into their daily lives, and back into being active, is safe and leads to quicker recovery. Experts still recommend rest and then moving gradually back into activities, but the guidelines are no longer as strict as they once were.
What is a tonsillectomy and who needs one?
Pao Vang, M.D., Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, Premium Health News Service
DEAR MAYO CLINIC: My 4-year-old son has had many episodes of painful sore throats, and his doctor recommended that his tonsils be removed. Why do kids have more trouble with their tonsils? Is there a right age to have the surgery done? I’ve heard that recovery from tonsil surgery is painful, so what can we expect?
ANSWER: Often when children complain of sore throats, their tonsils may be to blame. The tonsils are part of our immune system that is essential to keeping us healthy. Tonsils are small, oval-shaped pads at the back of the throat that make white blood cells. These cells attack and prevent germs that enter your body and make you sick.
While small in size, the tonsils can cause considerable pain and discomfort if they get inflamed. When this happens, a person is said to have tonsillitis. This usually occurs because of a viral infection, although bacterial infections also can cause tonsillitis.
Children are more prone to tonsillitis than adults for a few reasons. They are constantly surrounded by germs, whether at school, day care or at extracurricular activities. Additionally, children are not as good at hand-washing and sneezing or coughing etiquette, so there are more germs in their environments. They easily catch colds, which can cause runny noses and lead to tonsillitis. Also, their throats are smaller than adults. So, if they have bigger tonsils, this can lead to breathing problems and sleep apnea.
Sometimes, a person can have tonsillitis once or twice and recover with no issues. But for others, like your son, the inflammation occurs repeatedly and does not respond to treatments, or it causes complications. A common procedure called a tonsillectomy, which is the surgical removal of the tonsils, may be recommended in these cases.
There is no right age for a tonsillectomy. Some people think tonsillectomies are only for children under 12. While the procedure is more common in younger children, tonsils may be required to be removed at any age. Tonsillectomy is the second-most common procedure performed by otolaryngologists.
Children and adults who experience these issues may benefit from a tonsillectomy:
Recurrent or chronic sore throat. A recurrent sore throat is having a sore throat several times a year, while a chronic sore throat lasts two or three months. These painful conditions don’t seem to resolve on their own.
• Frequent tonsillitis. Usually, this is defined as at least seven episodes in the previous 12 months, at least five episodes per year for the last two years, or at least three episodes per year for the past three years. Sleep apnea caused by enlarged tonsils. When tonsils are too big, they can cause obstructive sleep apnea. The oversized tonsils block the airway, interrupting breathing and sleep.
• Tonsils of different sizes. Typically, tonsils are about the same size. When one is significantly bigger than the other, both tonsils should be removed to rule out throat cancer or other serious conditions.
A lot has changed since many adults had their tonsils removed as children. In the past, people needed to remain in the hospital after a tonsillectomy, sometimes for several days. Now most patients can return home on the same day as their surgery. The procedure takes about 30 to 45 minutes and is performed under general anesthesia in an operating room.
During recovery, most people experience some pain that is similar to a bad sore throat. This usually lasts about a week. I typically recommend that most of my patients stay home from school or work during this time, drinks lots of fluids and eat soft foods. The pain usually subsides, and most people are back to normal after about two weeks. Overall, a tonsillectomy is a safe procedure, but there is a small risk of bleeding at the incision sites. Over time, a scab forms over the incision similar to one your body forms over a cut on your hand or arm. There is a slight risk of bleeding when the scabs fall off about seven to 10 days after surgery.
Your pediatrician can help you obtain a referral to a pediatric otolaryngologist who would be able to perform the surgery. The physician can give you more specifics after he or she evaluates your son. But, overall, many children have reduced episodes of illness after removal of tonsils. — Pao Vang, M.D., Otolaryngology, Mayo Clinic Health System, Eau Claire and Rice Lake, Wisconsin
Mayo Clinic Q & A is an educational resource and doesn’t replace regular medical care. This Mayo Clinic Q&A represents inquiries this healthcare expert has received from patients. For more information, visit www.mayoclinic.org.
One important note: A medical professional should guide decisions to move from rest to light activity, and then gradually from there to moderate and then regular activities based on how the child is doing. This step-bystep process may extend for days, weeks, or longer, depending on what the child needs. Parents, coaches, and schools can help support a child or teen as they return to school and return to activities and sports.
Some children will be able to get back into regular activities quickly. But for others it can take weeks or even months. Schools and sports trainers should work with children to support them in their recovery. Some children develop post-concussive syndromes with headache, fatigue, and other symptoms. This is rare but can be very disabling.
How can parents help prevent concussions?
It’s not always possible to prevent concussions, but there are things that parents can do:
Be sure that children use seat belts and other appropriate restraints in the car.
• Have clear safety rules and supervise children when they are playing, especially if they are riding bikes or climbing in trees or on play structures. Since at least half of concussions happen during sports, it’s important that teams and coaches follow safety rules. Coaches should teach techniques and skills to avoid dangerous collisions and other injuries. Talk to your child’s coaches about what they are doing to keep players safe. While helmets can prevent many head injuries, they don’t prevent concussions.
Claire McCarthy, M.D., is a senior faculty editor for Harvard Health Publishing.
■ Registration check (returning students)
■ Enrollment check (new-to-District students)
■ School supplies check
■ Student nutrition check
■ Calendar check
■ Transportation check
■ Tech check
■ Health check
■ Safety check
■ Academics check
■ Communications check
Environmental Nutrition: Fruit and veggie snacks
Heidi McIndoo, Environmental Nutrition, Premium Health News Service
We all know fruits and veggies are “good” for us. However, according to the Centers for Disease Control only about 10% to 20% of Americans eat the daily recommended amount of two to three cups of veggies and one and a half cups of fruits each day.
Fruits and vegetables are full of fiber, which aids digestive health, can help reduce the risk of certain cancers, keeps us feeling fuller longer, and may help with weight maintenance. They also provide an array of vitamins, minerals, and phytonutrients, offering a slew of health benefits. So why aren’t we getting enough?
Fresh fruits and veggies are perishable, sometimes require work to make them ready-to-eat, and are sometimes expensive. Freeze-drying, heat-drying, and freezing are just a few ways produce can be made more convenient to eat and easier to transport. In addition, these processes can affect texture and fla- vor and possibly make them more appealing to some. Nutritionally speaking, these foods are basically similar to their fresh alternative, so there’s not much of a downside to including them in your eating plan.
Helpful hints: Keep the following in mind when looking to boost your fruit and veggie intake.
• Ingredient list. Look for options with a fruit or veggie as the only ingredi- ent or listed first, with only perhaps some flavorings.
• Treats? Even though they are fruit-based, consider enjoying the choc- olate-coated ones as more of an occasional treat because of the added sugar content.
• Additions. Be aware of how any added flavorings may impact nutrients like sodium and added sugar.
Reprinted with permission from Environmental Nutrition, a monthly pub- lication of Belvoir Media Group, LLC. 800-829-5384. www.EnvironmentalNu- trition.com.
7 comforting foods to eat when you’re sick
Vandana Pawa, RealSimple.com, Premium Health News Service
When it comes to cold and flu season, it’s a good idea to be prepared for what to do if you get sick. When you’re feeling unwell, nutrition plays a significant role in your recovery from an illness. Nourishing foods that are easily digestible, hydrating and anti-inflammatory can be especially beneficial in supporting your immune system when you’re nursing a cold. We consulted Carolina Schneider, a registered dietitian and nutrition expert, to give us a rundown on some of the best foods to eat when you’re sick.
1. Soups and broths
When you’re sick, it’s hard to have an appetite for large meals. Soups and broths are not only nutritious but also easy to digest while being soothing and warming. Schneider underlines that soups and broths can provide essential electrolytes, which are especially crucial when your body is fighting an illness or infection.
2. Simple carbohydrates
Plain rice, toast, or crackers are a good choice when you’re dealing with an upset stomach because they are easily digestible and can calm stomach acid while providing necessary nourishment to your body as it works to heal.
3. Garlic
“Garlic is a natural antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory food known to enhance the immune response against infections,” Schneider explains. Adding extra garlic to any meals while you’re sick will provide additional health benefits — and an extra punch of flavor at a time when your taste buds might be muted due to congestion.
4. Ginger
Ginger has been widely studied for a multitude of health benefits, according to Schneider, including its role in aiding digestion and alleviating nausea. Ginger has anti-inflammatory properties that can help soothe a sore throat while giving an extra boost to your immune system. Ginger can be added to your diet during a cold through food, teas, or smoothies.
5. Bananas
Since they’re high in potassium, bananas are a good source of natural sugars that provide easy bursts of energy to support immunity. They are especially easy to digest, Schneider notes, making them a great nutritious solution for a tummy ache.
6. Berries
“Rich in antioxidants, including vitamin C and phytochemicals, berries can reduce inflammation and support immune function,” says Schneider. Berries are easily added to a bowl of yogurt or oatmeal or even blended into a healthy smoothie.
7. Vitamin C
Any fruit that’s rich in vitamin C is a great choice for recovery from illness. Kiwi, guava, mango, papaya, grapefruit, oranges, limes and lemons are packed with vitamin C and antioxidants, which help support the immune system while providing hydration, Schneider says.
Real Simple magazine provides smart, realistic solutions to everyday challenges. Online at www.realsimple.com.
Seriously Simple: Chocolate-dipped strawberries are fun to make and especially kid-friendly
Diane Rossen Worthington, Tribune Content Agency, Entrée
The other day I invited my 2-year-old grandson to come over so we could make a dessert. Oliver is a typical toddler who is a very picky eater, but when it comes to combining strawberries and chocolate together, he couldn’t wait.
Strawberries are at their prime now, so I thought it would be fun to make chocolate-covered strawberries. I worked on my recipe to make it easy and kid-friendly before I embarked on our cooking class together, selecting perfectly medium-large ripe strawberries and excellent chocolate. I chose Guittard bittersweet chocolate chips — the less additives the better. I am a dark chocolate lover, but you can also use semi-sweet chocolate chips.
This recipe is a basic one. If you want to embellish the strawberries further, feel free to roll them in your favorite topping like crushed nuts, toffee, toasted coconut or crushed cookies like Oreos. To ensure the coating sticks, roll the berries in the coating immediately after dipping them in the chocolate. These chocolate fruit gems are a lovely ending to any meal. They are not bad with a glass of champagne either.
This dessert is truly Seriously Simple and was easy enough for a 2-year-old, who loved making them. These are best enjoyed the day they are prepared.
Diane Rossen Worthington is an authority on new American cooking. She is the author of 18 cookbooks, including “Seriously Simple Parties,” and a James Beard Award-winning radio show host. You can contact her at www.seriouslysimple.com.
CHOCOLATE-DIPPED STRAWBERRIES
Makes about 20 (depending upon the size of the berries)
Notes: The strawberries need to be perfectly dry and room temperature after washing. If there is just a spot of moisture on the berry, the chocolate will not stick. I use a tablespoon of coconut (or other neutral) oil to the melted chocolate to help harden the chocolate. It also produces a smooth texture. I use the microwave to melt the chocolate, which takes little time.
• 1 pint of medium-large ripe strawberries with stems attached
• 2 cups bittersweet or semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 tablespoon neutral oil
1. Rinse the strawberries, making sure to keep the stem attached. Place on dry paper towels and dry them thoroughly. Use more towels if necessary. Place the strawberries on a paper-towel line sheet pan. Make sure they are totally dry.
2. Line another sheet pan or baking sheet with parchment paper. Place the strawberries on the sheet.
3. Combine the chocolate chips and oil in a microwave-safe bowl and microwave in 30 second increments, stirring with a rubber spatula, until melted and shiny, about a minute.
4. Holding the stem carefully, dip each strawberry in the chocolate and then place on the parchment-lined sheet pan. Once all finished, transfer to the refrigerator for about 45 minutes or until set. Once set, remove from the fridge a half hour before serving so they will be at their optimum temperature. To serve, arrange on a metal or white platter.
Environmental Nutrition: Let’s discuss granola bars/breakfast bars
Heidi McIndoo, Environmental Nutrition, Entrée
Granola bars, breakfast bars, snack bars, whatever you call them, they’re extremely convenient grab-and-go hunger cures. However, while they may have started off as nutritious health food store staples, many have morphed into candy bars in disguise. Fortunately, there are still several that fit the bill for an easy, non-perishable snack to keep in your desk or backpack, as long as you pay extra attention to a few things.
If you’re looking for something quick to start your morning or get you through the afternoon, granola bars can be an ideal choice. The trick is finding the best choice for your needs. Bars that are high in added sugar and low in fiber and/or protein might give you a quick energy boost. However, because sugars are digested quickly, you might find yourself hungry and lacking in energy soon after eating.
For lasting satiety and energy, try to include more protein and fiber, both of which digest more slowly and therefore stay in your digestive system longer. The key to getting the energy you want, and keeping it longer, is combining both carbohydrates from grains and fruits, and perhaps a little sweetener with fiber from whole grains and nuts, as well as protein from nuts and nut butters.
Helpful hints - keep these tips in mind when you’re shopping for your next box of bars: Be on the lookout for extra sugar. Chocolate dips, drizzles, and candy bits can add fun flavor, but they also contribute to the added sugar content. Some bars contain as much as one to two teaspoons.
• Make it whole. Try to choose bars with a whole grain, like oats, as the first ingredient.
• Go nuts. Nuts and nut butters are ideal ingredients in these bars to boost your protein intake.
Environmental Nutrition is the award-winning independent newsletter written by nutrition experts dedicated to providing readers up-to-date, accurate information about health and nutrition in clear, concise English. For more information, visit www.environmentalnutrition.com.
This grab-and-go breakfast is so easy
Jasmine
These egg bites, a convenient grab-and-go breakfast, are filled with veggies surrounded by a light and creamy egg custard. Once you get the hang of making these, try switching up the veggies and cheese. You can also add grated garlic, chopped
Roasted Red Pepper & Spinach Egg Bites
Total Time: 35 minutes
8 large eggs
• 1/3 cup whole milk
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground pepper
• 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
• 1 cup packed baby spinach, chopped
2/3 cup chopped roasted red peppers
1. Preheat oven to 350 F. Coat a 12-cup muffin tin with cooking spray.
2. Whisk eggs, milk, salt and pepper together in a large bowl until well combined and frothy. Fold in cheese, spinach and roasted red peppers until combined. Divide the mixture among the prepared muffin cups (about 1/3 cup each).
3. Bake until puffed, set and light golden, 16 to 18 minutes. (The egg bites will deflate once removed from the oven.) Let cool in the pan for 5 minutes before serving.
To make ahead: Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to three days. Reheat in the microwave on High for 30 seconds. For a crisper texture, broil 8 inches from heat source until crispy and lightly golden brown, about 3 minutes.
Recipe nutrition per serving: 185 Calories, Total Fat: 13 g, Saturated
Smith, EatingWell, Entrée
A financial checklist for students
Ella Vincent, Kiplinger’s Personal Finance, Kiplinger’s Money Power
If you have a child who will attend college this fall, their education will go beyond what they learn in class. Chances are, they’ll also get a crash course in how to handle money. Your student may, for example, open a bank account or credit card for the first time. Your child will also need to have health insurance coverage and, if they drive a car, auto insurance. As your student gets ready to head for campus, consider how you may manage these areas together. Banking essentials. If your child doesn’t yet have a checking account, they may want to open one for financial-aid money, income from a part-time job or other funds. Matt Schulz, chief credit analyst at LendingTree, recommends having your child establish an account at your bank so you can quickly and easily transfer funds to their account.
If they opt to open an account at a different institution, however, you can still send money to them. Many banks allow you to make fee-free transfers to checking accounts at other institutions, although the transfer may take a few days to process. Alternatively, you could use a peer-topeer transfer service. With Zelle, for example, you can instantly transfer funds directly between your checking accounts as long as at least one of your banks participates in the Zelle network, and transfers are typically fee-free. Other P2P services include Apple Cash, PayPal and Venmo. You can transfer money free with these services, too. But the funds you send don’t go directly to the recipient’s bank account. Instead, they’re stored as a balance with the service. Moving money instantly from that balance to a bank account usually entails a fee; free transfers typically take up to three business days.
Wherever your child chooses to bank, he or she should look for an account that
has no monthly fee and provides feefree access to ATMs close to their campus. Some banks offer accounts with fee breaks for college students. Chase College Checking, for example, is for students ages 17 to 24 and charges no monthly fee. Chase has more than 15,000 ATMs and more than 4,700 branches across the U.S. Another good option is the Capital One 360 Checking account, which has no monthly fee or minimum-balance requirement and provides access to 70,000 ATMs fee-free.
Building credit. If your child is ready to manage a credit card responsibly, using one in college can give them a head start on developing a positive credit history. Later on, a solid credit profile may help them successfully qualify to rent an apartment, for example, or take out a car loan or mortgage.
One option is to add your child as an authorized user on your credit card, which can help them build credit. As an authorized user, your child can make purchases and, depending on the card, they may gain access to your card’s perks, such as rental car insurance. If you take this route, keep in mind that you’re ultimately responsible for the card and that any missteps from the authorized user — say, racking up a big balance that’s close to your card’s limit — could hurt your credit score, too.
Alternatively, your child could apply for a student credit card with a low limit, which can prevent them from overspending, says Hillary Seiler, a senior certified credit counselor and CEO of the financial education program Financial Footwork. Capital One Savor Rewards for Students, for example, has no annual fee and offers 3% cash back on streaming-service subscriptions and at grocery stores and restaurants. However, interest rates on these cards can be high; the Capital One
card, for example, recently charged as
much as 29.24%. Your student may quickly face ballooning debt if they fail to pay off the balance every month.
Another possibility is a secured credit card, such as the Discover It Secured Card. With a secured card, you put down a deposit that is equal to the card’s credit line. For example, with a $300 deposit, spending is limited to $300.
Health insurance. By law, your child can remain on your employer or marketplace health insurance plan until they turn 26. For most families, this is the most affordable option.
Even if your child is covered by your policy, their college may automatically enroll them in its health insurance plan to ensure that they’re protected. But these plans can be expensive, averaging $3,000 to $5,000 a year, according to HealthInsurance.org. Make sure to waive that coverage if your child is enrolled in your plan or in another option that better suits their needs.
If your child can’t enroll in your plan, an alternative is insurance through the government’s health care marketplace, at HealthCare.gov. If the child is a dependent on your tax return, your income will determine whether they qualify for a premium tax credit and, if they are eligible, the size of the credit, which lowers the premium. If you don’t claim your child as a dependent, they may be able to get a larger subsidy based on their own income, if it’s lower than yours, says Divya Sangameshwar, insurance expert at consumer website ValuePenguin. At www.kff.org/ interactive/subsidy-calculator, you can use the tool from health policy research organization KFF to estimate premiums and subsidies.
Policies are divided into four categories — bronze, silver, gold and platinum — based on the amount of the premium,
Check your college’s financial health
Kimberly Lankford, Kiplinger’s Personal Finance, Kiplinger’s Money Power
Christopher Rose was close to finishing his third year at Fontbonne University in St. Louis last March when the entire student body received a message to meet in the school’s main gymnasium. After the students gathered, the college’s president announced that Fontbonne would be closing at the end of the summer term in August 2025.
“It shook a lot of students,” says Rose. “A lot of kids were in the same position as me, with uncertainty about the future and having to scramble to find a path forward. It had been a close community, like a second home. Everybody worried about financial aid and transferring credits.”
Fontbonne made agreements with 25 colleges that offered to accept most credits and charge students no more than they were paying at Fontbonne. But the disruption of having to change schools and possibly add extra semesters hit the students hard.
Several colleges came to Fontbonne’s campus in April to discuss their programs and transfer process. After meeting with a few schools, Rose decided to switch to the University of Missouri–St. Louis starting in fall 2024. Because the university didn’t offer a marketing major, he had to change his major from marketing to business administration with a concentration in marketing and add an extra year to his studies.
Even though he liked the close-knit community of a small school, Rose chose to finish up at a large public university because he worried about the stability of some of the small schools. “With the financial uncertainty, it was the safest bet for me,” he says.
Colleges throughout the country are struggling financially as enrollment shrinks and expenses rise. Nearly 100 higher-education institutions closed between the 2022–23 and the 2023–24 academic years, according to the Department of Education’s National Center for Education Statistics. Many were for-profit
programs or two-year colleges that merged into other programs. But some were traditional four-year colleges with long histories.
Fontbonne University, for example, recently celebrated its 100th anniversary. Founded by the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet in 1923 as a women’s liberal arts college primarily to educate teachers, the school became well known for its deaf-education program. It went co-ed in the 1970s and expanded to 44 under-graduate majors and 19 graduate majors. But enrollment dropped significantly over the past decade — from 1,781 students in fall 2014 to 874 students in fall 2023 — and the school couldn’t keep up financially.
“It became clear to the leadership team that it was too risky to try to continue the institution,” says Adam Weyhaupt, Fontbonne’s executive vice president and provost. “It seemed like the most responsible thing to do was to wind down the institution in an orderly, dignified way.”
Fontbonne didn’t have a large endowment (something it had in common with many colleges). With a significant number of its graduates focusing on careers known for service rather than salaries, such as special education and social work, large gifts from alumni were rare.
The majority of small private colleges rely primarily on tuition and fees to remain afloat, and those numbers aren’t looking good. A drop-off in births after the 2008 recession, combined with a decline in the percentage of high school graduates going directly to college after the COVID-19 pandemic, has left a smaller pool of potential students to go around.
“We’re entering a period when fewer students are going to college — there are fewer 18-year-olds — and this was predictable years ago,” says Dick Startz, distinguished professor of economics at the University of California, Santa Barbara, who wrote a paper for the Brookings Institution in October 2024 about the college-enrollment cliff. “There’s been lots of
expansion in colleges, and for a long time the number of students going to college was going up. But that’s leveled off and come down some, and that’s going to be a problem for colleges that are weaker financially.”
The headlines about colleges with record numbers of applications and minuscule acceptance rates apply only to a very small percentage of schools, says Sara Harberson, a former dean of admissions and founder of Application Nation, which helps families navigate the college admission process. “Ivy League universities, elite colleges with large endowments, and nationally known institutions dominate the news stories. But most colleges are experiencing the effects of a declining enrollment and a shrinking pool of high school graduates.”
Some of these troubled schools were temporarily bolstered by federal COVID-19 relief funds, but closures have increased as those funds have dried up. “There were few closures during the pandemic because of all the pandemic relief funds, but we’re seeing a few more closures now than before the pandemic,” says Robert Kelchen, professor and head of the department of educational leadership and policy studies at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. “Enrollment as a whole is down, and operating costs are up.”
Because of the demographic trends, with fewer young people applying to college, it’s going to get even worse, says Robert Massa, vice president emeritus for enrollment at Dickinson College, who spent more than 50 years in the enrollment and business side of college administration.
Assessing a college’s financial stability
If you’re looking at college for your child or yourself, it’s important to check out schools’ financial situation as you
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narrow down your list.
“Most families do not consider a college’s financial stability until after the student has been admitted and is deciding where to enroll,” Harberson says. By then, she says, the student may have become attached to the college, making it difficult to change course.
One of the early warning signs that a college is in trouble is a shrinking freshman class, says Emily Wadhwani, senior director and the sector lead for the higher education team at Fitch, the ratings agency. “That will translate into lower enrollment as that smaller class cycles through, and it can become unmanageable if that persists.”
Tuition and fees account for more than 70% of revenue at most schools, and more than 90% at some, Wadhwani says. “Those schools are extremely vulnerable to changes in enrollment.”
Massa recommends reviewing enrollment numbers in the Common Data Set, an easy-to-read resource most colleges provide for college rankings research. “My advice to parents is to go to a college’s website and type ‘common data set’ in the search bar,” he says. “Go back five to seven years and look at the enrollment section of the report.” Compare the numbers for freshman enrollment, number of applicants and the percentage that were accepted to the most recent figures.
You can also find statistics using the Department of Education’s College Scorecard (https://collegescorecard. ed.gov ) and the comprehensive but less user-friendly Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS; https:// nces.ed.gov/ipeds ).
Kimberly Lankford is a contributing writer at Kiplinger Personal Finance magazine. For more on this and similar money topics, visit Kiplinger.com.
