LAS VEGAS (KTNV) — A local therapist is sharing tips for parents and kids heading back to the classroom on March 1.
Dr. Sheldon Jacobs is a licensed marriage and family therapist. He says the change from distance to in-person learning can be especially difficult to process for the younger age groups.
He says the key is for parents to start creating a routine now before the first day back to school. He suggests cutting down screen time a little bit each day, eventually cutting that time in half.
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You can reduce screen time by creating no phone zones in the house, sticking to online learning during daytime hours only, and avoiding devices before bedtime.
Sleep is also important for a successful first day. On average, children aged two to nine should be getting an average of 10 1/2 to 12 hours of sleep a night, so setting a bedtime is important.
"I would suggest parents set a routine in terms of bedtime, setting a bedtime for when school starts and when it comes to things during the day, whether it be homework or schooling, try to prep that so it mirrors what it will look like when school resumes.” Dr. Jacobs said.
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For parents who are feeling anxious about their child heading back to school, Dr. Jacobs suggests talking to someone at the school you have a good relationship with to learn more about the new protocols and discuss how that plan may impact your family.
Dr. Jacobs also says it’s important to have conversations about good hygiene with your child so they are remembering to wash their hands and keep their face masks on while they’re in the classroom.
