It’s back-to-school season in Alabama, which means it’s time for families to trade laid-back pool days and after-hours movies for school bells and early mornings. I think most parents can agree it’s a tough transition.
The good news is getting back into a healthy school-year routine doesn’t require a total family makeover. All you need are a few simple tips to help everyone feel more prepared for the months ahead.
From eating more seasonal Alabama produce to making time to be more active, here are four healthy habits to try this school year with tips from Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama (BCBSAL)
1. Reset your family’s routine for Alabama’s 2026-2027 school year
After a summer filled with late bedtimes, lazy mornings and way too much screen time, getting back on a school schedule can be an adjustment for everyone. With the 2026-2027 school year in full swing, now’s the time to get your routine back on track
Try these easy tips to help kids of all ages start the year off right:
- Start bedtime early. Move it up 15–30 minutes at a time until you’re back to your school-year schedule.
- Set a wake-up rhythm. Keep mornings consistent so early wake-ups don’t feel quite so brutal.
- Make breakfast easy. Stock a few grab-and-go favorites for mornings when everyone is running behind.
- Prep the night before. Pack book bags, lay out clothes and get lunches ready before everyone heads to bed.
“It is important to have a good baseline for the school year because things get busy and we can neglect our health and wellness if we are not prepared. Establishing healthy habits and routines before school starts is a good way to ensure that everyone stays balanced.”
Dr. Ginnie Prater, MD, CCD, Medical Director, Clinical Services, BCBSAL
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2. Take advantage of Alabama’s seasonal produce
Late summer and early fall are a great time to add more fresh produce to your family’s meals. This is a perk of living in Alabama—we have lots of delicious homegrown fruits and vegetables that make excellent additions to lunches, snacks and dinners. Plus, there’s no shortage of farmers markets to shop
For an easy and healthy snack in August and September, try sliced peaches, watermelon chunks, cucumber rounds and cherry tomatoes
Make it a fun family activity:Let your kids choose a fruit or veggie they haven’t tried before—you can even let them pick it out at a local grocery store or farmer’s market. By letting them choose, they might even find a new lunchbox favorite
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3. Find fun ways to get moving at Alabama’s parks + more
Get active at two Auburn-area parks: Town Creek Inclusive Playground (L) and Chewacla State Park (R) (The Bama Buzz)
School days include a lot of time sitting—especially when you add in homework and after-school activities like watching TV or playing on a phone. All that sitting can leave kids feeling restless and low on energy
This school year, look for easy ways to add movement into the day without making it feel like a chore
Some ideas to try include:
- Walking, biking or rollerskating together
- City Walk BHAM:875 24th St N, Birmingham, AL 35203
- Vaughn Rd Park:2858 Fieldcrest Dr, Montgomery, AL 36106
- West Gate Park:501 Recreation Rd, Dothan, AL 36303
- Visiting a playground or splash pad:
- Town Creek Inclusive Playground:430 Camellia Dr, Auburn, AL 36830
- Child’s Place Playground at Pratt Park:460 Doster Rd, Prattville, AL 36067
- Exploring an Alabama state park:
- Oak Mountain State Park:200 Terrace Dr, Pelham, AL 35124
- Cheaha State Park:19644 AL-281, Delta, AL 36258
- Joining a youth sports league or school team
- Hoover Recreation Center:600 Municipal Dr, Hoover, AL 35216
- Bodenhamer Recreation Center:310 W 19th Ave, Gulf Shores, AL 36542
For more FREE ways to get moving, check out our guide to unique ways to get active across the state
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4. Make sure Alabama school immunizations are up to date
Before the school year gets too busy, take a few minutes to check your child’s immunization records. Staying up to date helps protect your child and classmates while making sure you have one less back-to-school task on your list
Alabama students are required to have a valid Certificate of Immunization, also known as a “blue form,” on file with their school
Required vaccines include:
- DTaP/Tdap
- Polio
- Measles
- Mumps
- Rubella
- Varicella (chicken pox)
If you’re not sure whether your child is up to date, start by checking their records or contacting their healthcare provider. You can also find Alabama’s recommended childhood and adolescent immunization schedule here
Need a blue form? Your child’s doctor or county health department can review their records and help you get the Certificate of Immunization you need for school
Ready for a healthy school year? Find more tips for your family from Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama
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