Health experts share tips to help RGV students transition back to school
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The new school year has started for some students across the Rio Grande Valley, and health experts are sharing tips to help parents ease the transition.
For others, the first day of school is still weeks away.
Edinburg CISD parent Andrea Garza has two children starting school in two weeks. She's already working to get them back on a routine.
"It is about going to sleep early. It is not about waking up at 10 am anymore. It's about waking up at six or seven, so definitely a bedtime routine, early dinner, pajamas, and then bedtime stories," Garza said.
Garza is also limiting their screen time.
"We are more lenient during the summer right now; it is anytime before dinnertime, so we cut off before three, but it is going to be a challenge because they are used to being on devices," Garza said.
Health experts say limiting screen time, especially before bed, can help children get better sleep.
"Try your best to minimize it. I would say no more than 2 hours. Definitely don't let them be in their devices before they go to sleep. Maybe take the devices an hour before sleep time," Medical Director of the Children's Emergency Room at South Texas Health System Santos Cantu said.
Cantu says parents should adjust their child's sleep schedule before the first day of school.
"Two or three weeks ahead of time, maybe get them down 15 to 30 minutes earlier than normal. And waking up the same ten or fifteen minutes earlier will gradually work them into it," Cantu said.
Garza is hopeful the new routine will help her kids start the year strong.
"I know kids don't look forward to school. It is a great time. They never want to go, but as soon as they start, they love it," Garza said.
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