Pediatrician Advises Parents When to Start Back-To-School Routine

(KTDY) - Kids are about to return to school after a couple of months off, and now is the time to get your kids ready for school.

While most kids are out of school, they tend to stay up later and are more engaged on various devices. Yes, we all did it as kids, but soon that will all have to change once the kids return to the classroom.

Not only do parents need to enforce an earlier bedtime, but kids will also be forced to wake up earlier once school is back in session. We all know how difficult it can be to start a new school year.

So, a pediatrician suggests when parents should start getting their kids into a school routine.

While speaking to WAFB, Dr. Susan Bankston, a pediatrician with the Baton Rouge Clinic, had this to say to parents as we prepare for the new school year:

“Let’s start getting them on that sleep cycle, so whatever your school bedtime is, every family has a different one. But if it’s 8:30 a.m., then let’s two weeks before get them in bed by 8:30 p.m. Get them up at 6 a.m. if that’s the time you get them up at.”

Additionally, parents should consider limiting their children's screen time as the school year approaches. By easing into a new routine, kids are more likely to adapt to the changes needed to begin school.

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Another thing the doctor told the news station is that parents can help ease their child's anxiety about returning to school by visiting the campus and meeting with teachers before the start of the school year. Speaking from experience, this is very helpful, and it allows the kids to walk into something they're familiar with on the first day of school.

Next, Dr. Bankston reminded parents to talk to their children and encourage them to share what is happening at school. Get involved in your child's school days.

Lastly, the pediatrician addressed the success of older children, recommending that parents designate a specific area in their home for homework completion. Limitiing distractions is key to success.

For more information on preparing your kids for back-to-school, watch this interview with the doctor on WAFB.