Fort Worth, TX,
16
August
2022
|
16:16 PM
America/Chicago

'Twas the Night Before School: A Message From Pediatrician and Mom, Bianka Soria-Olmos, D.O.

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Dr. Soria-Olmos Back to School

By Bianka Soria-Olmos, D.O., Medical Advisor for Digital Health

On the evening before the first day of school the multiple to do’s on a list have almost been checked off and completed: 

  • Hair cuts 
  • School supplies 
  • School clothes and other necessities 
  • Adjustment of bedtimes to make the early morning wake time doable 
  • Meet the Teacher 

While I’m almost certain I’ve forgotten to add something to that list, a sense of angst, excitement, worry, uncertainty and joy all in one rush my mind. While it’s common for parents of kids that will begin school for the first time to feel these emotions intensely for the first time, it's not uncommon for parents of kids returning to school to feel these very same feelings once again.  

The world we are raising children in now seems very different from the not too distant past when we were school aged children ourselves. The last few years have proved to be anything but easy when it comes to parenting and raising children. While these complex situations have led to many difficulties and internal struggles; the resilience and innate perseverance of our own children is what reassures us that this will all be okay. 

While there are varied life circumstances and difficulties that parents may be facing, we must remember that a “first day” offers a new beginning and opportunity to help us through these complex situations in our lives. May we use this new beginning as an opportunity to form partnerships with teachers, school administrators and those who are a part of our child’s village to help them thrive. 

The emotions come rushing back after I’ve given myself a pep talk about the many worries that are usually put at ease when my children are on summer break. Will they be safe? A very loaded question because now they will leave my attentive side and learn to navigate their time away without me. Have I taught them enough about being kind? Will other children be kind to them?  

My worries ease some with knowing that although there are many factors beyond my control I have done my best to prepare them for these “first days” and beyond.

To all parents feeling all the feels on the evening before the “first day of school”  know that you are not alone. Continue to inspire kindness and connect with your village to help your children thrive. For they are our future and how we shape that future is dependent on us.

To all teachers and educators thank you for what you do every day for students and their families. Your willingness to remain in this profession has gone underappreciated for quite some time but we are so very thankful for what you do every day.

Lastly to ALL kids returning to school this year may this be a healthy, safe and successful school year for you!

 – Dr. Soria-Olmos

Get to know Bianka Soria-Olmos, D.O.

Dr. Bianka Soria-OlmosDr. Soria-Olmos is a Cook Children's pediatrician in Haslet. She was born and raised in Fort Worth, Texas, so Cook Children's has always had a special place in her heart. She came to know Cook Children's when she was just a kid herself. She went to the medical center a number of times with her active younger brother, who needed care following several mishaps with broken bones. The visits inspired her to decide, "I want to be a Cook Children’s doctor one day."

In pursuit of her dream, Dr. Soria-Olmos attended Texas Christian University (TCU) for a degree in biology and to fulfill the pre-medical school requirements. After graduating from TCU, she chose to stay local and attended medical school at the University of North Texas Health Science Center/Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine in Fort Worth. She completed part of her pediatric clerkship at Cook Children's, learning about pediatric medicine by attending rounds with pediatric hospitalists. It was then she knew she wanted to be a pediatrician.

She began her career with Cook Children's in 2014 as a pediatric hospitalist caring for sick children admitted to the hospital. Today, she works at Cook Children's primary care office in Haslet. Her special interests include child safety, child development and asthma..