By Dr. Sarah Stelzner
Eskenazi Health pediatrician
With summer break beginning to wind down and school just about ready to resume again, it’s not uncommon for youngsters and parents to experience periods of anxiety. Kindergartners through college students all face the reality of giving up weeks of fun and relaxation and returning to the routine of going back to school and facing the demands that it entails.
It’s wise for parents to begin a transitioning period a week or two before school starts that includes talking to their kids about what’s expected at school and how they may best succeed. It’s a good idea to start their bedtime routine about 10 minutes earlier each night as the first day of school draws closer and wake them up 10 minutes earlier each morning, every day, until they’re back on track.
It’s easy for youngsters during the summer months to fall into less than desirable eating habits, so it’s recommended that parents return children to the habit of eating three square meals daily. Parents should also consider challenging themselves to set aside 15 minutes per day, per child, to enjoy a quiet activity together. Whether it involves reading an extra book or two to a toddler, taking turns making up a story with your preschooler, or gazing at the stars with your oldest after the others have been put to bed, children will enjoy and be comforted by the undivided attention.
One of the obstacles for children to overcome in going to sleep at the proper time is over stimulation from playing video games, texting on their cellphones and dealing with the glowing light from televisions and tablets. Doing your best to separate your children from those distractions well before bedtime will help them get more restful sleep.
Taking your child to the pediatrician’s office shortly before school begins will help alleviate the anxiety of wondering if all medical records and vaccinations are current, and it’s also the perfect time for a sports physical. If you are in need of a pediatrician for your child or a primary care physician for yourself, call 317-880-8687 or visit www.eskenazihealth.edu/doctors. Eskenazi Health offers assistance with health insurance enrollment questions at 1-855-202-1053.
Eskenazi Health pediatrician
With summer break beginning to wind down and school just about ready to resume again, it’s not uncommon for youngsters and parents to experience periods of anxiety. Kindergartners through college students all face the reality of giving up weeks of fun and relaxation and returning to the routine of going back to school and facing the demands that it entails.
It’s wise for parents to begin a transitioning period a week or two before school starts that includes talking to their kids about what’s expected at school and how they may best succeed. It’s a good idea to start their bedtime routine about 10 minutes earlier each night as the first day of school draws closer and wake them up 10 minutes earlier each morning, every day, until they’re back on track.
It’s easy for youngsters during the summer months to fall into less than desirable eating habits, so it’s recommended that parents return children to the habit of eating three square meals daily. Parents should also consider challenging themselves to set aside 15 minutes per day, per child, to enjoy a quiet activity together. Whether it involves reading an extra book or two to a toddler, taking turns making up a story with your preschooler, or gazing at the stars with your oldest after the others have been put to bed, children will enjoy and be comforted by the undivided attention.
One of the obstacles for children to overcome in going to sleep at the proper time is over stimulation from playing video games, texting on their cellphones and dealing with the glowing light from televisions and tablets. Doing your best to separate your children from those distractions well before bedtime will help them get more restful sleep.
Taking your child to the pediatrician’s office shortly before school begins will help alleviate the anxiety of wondering if all medical records and vaccinations are current, and it’s also the perfect time for a sports physical. If you are in need of a pediatrician for your child or a primary care physician for yourself, call 317-880-8687 or visit www.eskenazihealth.edu/doctors. Eskenazi Health offers assistance with health insurance enrollment questions at 1-855-202-1053.
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