--- title: "Getting Ready for School | Denver Psychiatry Blog" description: "Another summer is whipping by and it’s time to start thinking about school again. For many kids, the transition back to school can be tough. For those with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (AD..." lang: en json-ld: | [ { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@graph": [ { "@type": [ "MedicalBusiness", "MedicalOrganization", "LocalBusiness" ], "@id": "https://denverpsychiatry.com/#organization", "name": "Denver Psychiatry", "alternateName": "Denver Psychiatry - Dr. Steve Sarche", "description": "Denver Psychiatry is a private psychiatric practice founded by Dr. Steve Sarche in 2004, providing comprehensive mental health services for children, adolescents, and adults in the Denver metropolitan area.", "url": "https://denverpsychiatry.com", "logo": { "@type": "ImageObject", "url": "https://denverpsychiatry.com/logo.png" }, "image": "https://denverpsychiatry.com/og-image.png", "telephone": "+1-303-393-8808", "faxNumber": "+1-303-399-6069", "email": "drsteve@denverpsychiatry.com", "foundingDate": "2004", "founder": { "@id": "https://denverpsychiatry.com/#physician" }, "priceRange": "$$", "address": { "@type": "PostalAddress", "streetAddress": "720 S Colorado Blvd, Suite 910N", "addressLocality": "Denver", "addressRegion": "CO", "postalCode": "80246", "addressCountry": "US" }, "geo": { "@type": "GeoCoordinates", "latitude": 39.7086, "longitude": -104.9567 }, "areaServed": { "@type": "GeoCircle", "geoMidpoint": { "@type": "GeoCoordinates", "latitude": 39.7086, "longitude": -104.9567 }, "geoRadius": "50000" }, "medicalSpecialty": [ "Psychiatry", "Child and Adolescent Psychiatry", "Adult Psychiatry" ], "employee": [ { "@id": "https://denverpsychiatry.com/#physician" } ], "availableService": [ { "@type": "MedicalProcedure", "name": "Psychiatric Evaluation", "description": "Comprehensive initial evaluation for accurate diagnosis and treatment planning" }, { "@type": "MedicalProcedure", "name": "Medication Management", "description": "Expert prescription and monitoring of psychiatric medications" }, { "@type": "MedicalProcedure", "name": "Child & Adolescent Psychiatry", "description": "Age-appropriate psychiatric care for children and adolescents (ages 10+)" }, { "@type": "MedicalProcedure", "name": "Anxiety Treatment", "description": "Treatment for generalized anxiety, panic disorder, social anxiety, and PTSD" }, { "@type": "MedicalProcedure", "name": "Depression Treatment", "description": "Comprehensive treatment for major depression and mood disorders" }, { "@type": "MedicalProcedure", "name": "ADHD Treatment", "description": "Diagnosis and treatment of attention deficit disorders in all ages" }, { "@type": "MedicalProcedure", "name": "PTSD & Trauma Treatment", "description": "Compassionate, evidence-based care for post-traumatic stress and trauma-related conditions" } ], "openingHoursSpecification": { "@type": "OpeningHoursSpecification", "dayOfWeek": [ "Monday", "Tuesday", "Wednesday", "Thursday", "Friday" ], "opens": "09:00", "closes": "17:00" }, "aggregateRating": { "@type": "AggregateRating", "ratingValue": "5", "reviewCount": "50" }, "sameAs": [] }, { "@type": [ "Physician", "Person" ], "@id": "https://denverpsychiatry.com/#physician", "name": "Dr. Steve Sarche, D.O.", "alternateName": "Steve Sarche", "description": "Dr. Steve Sarche is a board-certified psychiatrist specializing in child, adolescent, and adult psychiatry. 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For children and adolescents, this includes integrated meetings with parents. By the end of 1-2 visits, you'll have a clear clinical formulation and personalized treatment plan." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Does Denver Psychiatry treat both children and adults?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Yes, Dr. Steve Sarche is board certified in both general psychiatry and child & adolescent psychiatry. Denver Psychiatry provides comprehensive care for patients ages 10 and older, with age-appropriate treatment approaches." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "What mental health conditions does Denver Psychiatry treat?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Denver Psychiatry treats a wide range of mental health conditions including anxiety disorders, depression, bipolar disorder, ADHD, PTSD, situational stress, behavioral problems, and relational difficulties. Dr. Sarche takes a comprehensive, holistic approach to diagnosis and treatment." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Does Denver Psychiatry offer non-medication treatments?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Absolutely. While medication can be an important part of treatment, Dr. Sarche also emphasizes non-medication modalities including sleep hygiene strategies, lifestyle modifications, stress reduction techniques, and therapeutic approaches. Treatment is tailored to each individual's needs and preferences." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "What is the difference between a D.O. and an M.D. psychiatrist?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Osteopathic physicians (D.O.s) receive the same training as M.D.s but with additional focus on the interconnection between the body's systems. This holistic perspective informs Dr. Sarche's approach to mental health, considering how physical and emotional well-being influence each other." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "How do I schedule an appointment with Denver Psychiatry?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "You can schedule an appointment by calling Denver Psychiatry at (303) 393-8808. The staff will help you find a convenient time and answer any questions about your first visit." } } ] }, { "@type": "Blog", "@id": "https://denverpsychiatry.com/#blog", "name": "Denver Psychiatry Mental Health Blog", "description": "Expert insights and articles on mental health topics from Dr. Steve Sarche, board-certified psychiatrist in Denver, Colorado.", "url": "https://denverpsychiatry.com/blog", "author": { "@id": "https://denverpsychiatry.com/#physician" }, "publisher": { "@id": "https://denverpsychiatry.com/#organization" } } ] }, { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "Article", "headline": "Getting Ready for School", "description": "Another summer is whipping by and it’s time to start thinking about school again. For many kids, the transition back to school can be tough. For those with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (AD...", "author": { "@type": "Person", "name": "Dr. Steve Sarche", "jobTitle": "Board Certified Psychiatrist" }, "publisher": { "@type": "Organization", "name": "Denver Psychiatry", "url": "https://denverpsychiatry.com" }, "datePublished": "2007-08-07T23:16:10+00:00", "mainEntityOfPage": { "@type": "WebPage", "@id": "https://denverpsychiatry.com/article/getting-ready-for-school" } } ] --- [ Denver Psychiatry Dr. Steve Sarche, D.O. ](#home) [](tel:303-393-8808) [ Denver Psychiatry Dr. Steve Sarche, D.O. ](#home) [Home](#home) Services ### Conditions We Treat [ ADHD Treatment Child & adult ADHD specialist care ](/adhd)[ Anxiety Treatment Generalized anxiety, panic, social anxiety ](/anxiety-treatment)[ Depression Treatment Major depression, bipolar, mood disorders ](/depression-treatment)[ PTSD & Trauma Treatment Trauma recovery focused on full healing ](/ptsd-trauma-treatment) ### Specialty Care [ Child & Adolescent Psychiatry Fellowship-trained, ages 10 and up ](/child-adolescent-psychiatry)[ Performance Optimization Precision psychiatry for high performers ](/performance-optimization)[ Medication Management Expert prescription and monitoring ](#services) #### Talk to Dr. Sarche Call to schedule your initial evaluation [Call Now](tel:303-393-8808) About ### About Us [ Dr. Steve Sarche, D.O. Board-certified psychiatrist ](#about)[ Our Approach Patient-centered, evidence-based care ](#approach)[ Osteopathic Medicine Holistic medical philosophy ](#resources) Resources ### Educational Resources [ General Information Learn about psychiatry and mental health ](#resources)[ Sleep & Wellness Tips for better sleep and health ](#resources)[ Nutrition & Mental Health Diet's impact on mood and cognition ](#resources) ### Patient Info [ Blog Articles Latest insights and updates ](#blog)[ FAQs Common questions answered ](#faq) #### New Patient? Learn what to expect at your first visit [Learn More](#services) Contact ### Get In Touch [ Contact Form Send us a message ](#contact)[ Call Us (303) 393-8808 ](tel:303-393-8808)[ Our Location 720 S Colorado Blvd, Suite 910N ](#contact) [Call Dr. Sarche](tel:303-393-8808) [Back to Blog](/blog) Child & Adolescent # Getting Ready for School Dr. Steve Sarche Board Certified Psychiatrist • Tuesday, August 7, 2007 • 4 min read Share: [](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fdrsteve.lovable.app%2Farticle%2Fgetting-ready-for-school)[](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?url=https%3A%2F%2Fdrsteve.lovable.app%2Farticle%2Fgetting-ready-for-school&text=Getting%20Ready%20for%20School)[](https://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https%3A%2F%2Fdrsteve.lovable.app%2Farticle%2Fgetting-ready-for-school&title=Getting%20Ready%20for%20School)[]() Another summer is whipping by and it’s time to start thinking about school again. For many kids, the transition back to school can be tough. For those with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (AD/HD) the transition can be trickier. This is because transitions are often difficult for kids with AD/HD. The following are a few tips to help start the school year in a positive way. 1. **Start to prepare yourself and your child mentally.** Reminders of the transition so there are no surprises can be helpful. All children, especially those with AD/HD like predictability. Sure, most children would rather talk about vegetables than school during summer break, but let’s be honest, most parents are looking forward to it and most kids do like to have some structure. I’m not suggesting the family spends the rest of the summer break sitting around, protractor and notebook in hand, waiting for school. However, discussions about a child’s feelings with school coming, his or her concerns and excitement, and what he or she expects can be helpful. Things to talk about may include trouble finding classes and keeping up with homework, dealing with bullies, meeting new people, and, for teens, drugs and alcohol. Over time you can help your child develop strategies to deal with his or her struggles or conflicts. Children who feel listened to in this way tend to do much better. 2. **Get to know your child’s teacher and other support staff at school.** Do this as early as possible to have a good line of communication with the school. Let them know what your child’s struggles may be. Help the child express that to the teacher as well. The staff will appreciate that you are working with them for the benefit of your child. 3. **If the school is new, help your child get oriented to it.** This is especially important in the transitions from grade school to middle school or middle to high school. Some schools have orientation programs. You can always request a tour of the school with your child as well. 4. **Prepare for new bedtime routines.** Summer break is almost defined by children and teenagers sleeping in and going to bed late. Bedtime transition is important here. Usually you are best served if you begin this transition two weeks before school starts. This can be done by gradually making the bedtime earlier and the wake­up time earlier, and helping your child avoid naps. Sleep is vital for children and teenagers’ success in school. 5. **Help your child develop support and strategies for success.** Take your child to the store and help him or her pick out a good organizer; notebook or electronic. Work with your child on how they will use it. Some children need tape machines and will need word processors for homework and class notes. Ensure that your child has the necessary supplies or equipment and understands how to use them. 6. **Avoid being punitive when you can and reward success.** A common trap to fall in when parenting or teaching a child with AD/HD is that parents and teachers focus on negative behavior and are punitive for the child’s struggles, but don’t talk about or recognize good effort and successes.    This is because AD/HD symptoms can cause a child to have low grades and appear to choose to have bad behavior and low grades. Of course you will need limits and consequences for true bad behavior. However, most children with AD/HD do better when they are rewarded for success, they feel supported around their struggles, and their efforts are acknowledged. The rewards do not have to be big and can include a family dinner out, extra time together before bed, or small increases in allowance. 7. **Hold off on any other big changes.** Try to keep you child’s routine as consistent and predictable as possible as he or she transitions into school. Good luck and success to all for the 2007­/2008 school year! ## Thanks to “Attention” magazine, August 2007. Share: [](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fdrsteve.lovable.app%2Farticle%2Fgetting-ready-for-school)[](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?url=https%3A%2F%2Fdrsteve.lovable.app%2Farticle%2Fgetting-ready-for-school&text=Getting%20Ready%20for%20School)[](https://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https%3A%2F%2Fdrsteve.lovable.app%2Farticle%2Fgetting-ready-for-school&title=Getting%20Ready%20for%20School)[]() ### Need Help With Your Mental Health? Dr. Steve Sarche provides compassionate psychiatric care for children, adolescents, and adults in the Denver area. [Call to Speak With Dr. Sarche](tel:303-393-8808) ### Get new articles from Dr. Sarche We'll only email you when Dr. Sarche publishes a new article. Unsubscribe anytime. Subscribe ## Related Articles [ Child & Adolescent ### The Communication Fix Up Communication Fix Up. This article is inspired by a talk given by Charles Duhigg, a journalist and best-selling author during the Aspen Ideas Festival on June 29th, 2024. The talk is titled, “Super co... Jul 23, 2024 5 min read ](/article/the-communication-fix-up)[ Child & Adolescent ### Recognizing Depression in Teenagers: A Guide for Parents Teen depression often looks different from adult depression. Know the warning signs and how to help. May 20, 2024 1 min read ](/article/teen-depression-warning-signs)[ Child & Adolescent ### My Session With Santa (part 2) (This is a recycling of an article I posted over 11 years ago. It is mostly the same, just some minor changes. I figured it would be nice to post something light). “I stopped believing in Santa Claus ... Dec 18, 2020 5 min read ](/article/my-session-with-santa-part-2) ### Denver Psychiatry Dr. Steve Sarche, D.O. Providing compassionate, comprehensive psychiatric care to children, adolescents, and adults in the Denver area since 2004. [(303) 393-8808](tel:303-393-8808)[Patient Portal](https://www.valant.io/portal/sarche) #### Quick Links - [Home](#home) - [Services](#services) - [About Dr. Sarche](#about) - [Our Approach](#approach) - [Resources](#resources) - [Blog](#blog) - [Contact Us](#contact) #### Contact - The Galleria 720 S Colorado Blvd, Suite 910N Denver, CO 80246 - [(303) 393-8808](tel:303-393-8808) - Fax: (303) 399-6069 © 2026 Denver Psychiatry. All rights reserved. [Privacy Policy](/privacy-policy)[HIPAA Notice](/hipaa-notice)[Accessibility](/accessibility) [Made with by HEARD Digital Marketing](https://heardmarketing.io)