Back to school in 2021: An open letter from UT Health San Antonio pediatrician, Dr. Maria Fernandez-Falcon
The new school year is just around the corner, and many of my patients are excited about going back to in-person classes, making new friends and meeting teachers.
The thought of normality casts light on the challenging year we had in 2020. Parents had to work from home, and kids had to discover virtual learning for several months. However, the COVID-19 pandemic is not over; we all need to remain vigilant and take preventive measures to keep moving forward. Below are some tips that can help us maintain our path to normalcy this upcoming academic year.
Prevention, prevention, prevention:
We cannot give up on preventive measures. We, as parents, need to be good examples and remind our kids to follow these recommended guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): wash hands often, maintain social distancing and wear a mask. For more information, please visit: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/daily-life-coping/children/protect-children.html.
We are what we eat:
It's important not to skip meals, especially breakfast. Healthy food options like fruits and vegetables are one of the best sources of vitamins and minerals. Keep your kids hydrated by having them drink plenty of water throughout the day and keeping soft drinks to a minimum. Finally, cooking meals together can be a great way to eat healthy and build relationships with your children. A great resource is the Culinary Health Education for Families (CHEF) program, they have great recipes for the entire family on their website: https://www.chefsa.org/.
Sleep time is non-negotiable:
Night routine is essential for active learning, mental health and preventing infections. Children need to sleep at least 8-10 hours every night, and teenagers often need more. Be sure they have been active during the day, and avoid lengthy screen exposure as it is a common cause of sleep disturbance. Please consider a no phone, TV or tablet in their bedroom rule. If your kid goes to sleep late during summertime, gradually move their bedtime back by 20-30 minutes every few nights until reaching the ideal time for your family this school year. To read more about sleeping habits for children, please visit: https://www.healthychildren.org/English/healthy-living/sleep/Pages/healthy-sleep-habits-how-many-hours-does-your-child-need.aspx.
Emotional support:
Everybody has been emotionally affected during this pandemic. Be sure your child is learning ways to cope with stress and anxiety. Sometimes counseling sessions are necessary, and your pediatrician could help guide you to the right resources. Visit the following website for more information: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/daily-life-coping/parental-resource-kit/index.html.
Vaccinations can save your child’s life:
Be sure your child’s vaccines are up to date. If your kid is 12 years old and older, the COVID-19 vaccine is highly recommended. Sports physicals and well-child visits are important opportunities to evaluate your child's growth and development. For more information about COVID-19 vaccines in children over 12 years of age, visit: https://www.healthychildren.org/English/tips-tools/ask-the-pediatrician/Pages/when-can-children-get-the-COVID-19-vaccine.aspx.
I want to leave this thought as my final message: Education is priceless. We cannot take it for granted. This past year, teachers have been fantastic, creating innovative ways to provide the best education to our kids. My gratitude to each one of them! Let us all visualize a great school year for our kids, full of opportunities to thrive.