Summer is almost over. It’s time for a break.
To ensure a smooth transition into the new school year, a pediatric neuropsychologist shares three things parents should prioritize.
Jennifer Katzenstein John McClellan, director of psychology, neuropsychology and social work at Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital in St. Petersburg, Florida, urges caregivers to think about restoring a rhythm of daily life, creating a consistent sleep schedule and monitoring electronic device use.
“It’s so important to prepare children to return to the classroom and manage the added stress and anxiety that returning to daily life can bring,” Katzenstein said. On TikTok last month.
Back to normal
In last year’s survey87% of parents with children under 18 say they feel stressed or anxious during back-to-school season, with more than half saying it’s the most stressful time of the year.
Katzenstein recommends trying to avoid any surprises coming into the new school year.
She suggests reaching out to your child’s teacher to see if you can come into the classroom early to help locate desks and cubicles and provide directions from the drop-off point to the classroom.
As you develop this routine, Katzenstein recommends watching your child for warning signs.
“Ask questions like, ‘Is my child more irritable or angry? Has he or she had more worries or anxieties about starting the new school year?’ Have there been any changes in sleep? For younger children, have there been any changes in toileting?” Katzenstein says.
“If you start to see these symptoms, [it’s a] “This is a great time to speak to your child’s pediatrician or a trusted psychologist or counsellor to make sure anxiety doesn’t affect them when they return to school,” she added.
Create a sleep schedule
Sleep is essential for a child’s health and development. American Academy of Sleep Medicine They recommend that children ages 3-5 aim for 10-13 hours of sleep a night, children ages 6-12 aim for 9-12 hours, and teenagers aim for 8-10 hours.
Advice from NewYork-Presbyterian Two weeks before school starts, begin your child’s new sleep schedule by gradually moving their bedtime and morning alarm 15 minutes earlier.
Monitor the use of electronic devices
“Sometimes, myself included, we let our kids spend a little more time on electronic devices over the summer than we would during the school year,” Katzenstein acknowledged. “They should limit it to no more than two hours a day.”
Children between 5 and 17 years old: The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends No more than two hours of screen time per day, excluding homework.
Recent studies have shown that tablet use can lead to emotion regulation problems in preschoolers.
