Parent's Guide: Prepare Your Children for a Successful Return to School

The start of a new school year can be exciting for young children, but it can also be a challenging time for parents, who must help their children readjust to the school routine. That's why our pediatrician, Dr. Enrique Soto, shares the following recommendations to make the return to school a successful and satisfying experience.

Establish a routine before the start of classes.

A routine is key for children to feel secure and organized, and to make a smooth transition from vacation to the school routine. You can start in the following ways:

Begin regulating their sleep schedule at least 1-2 weeks before the start of classes. Make sure they get the appropriate amount of sleep for their age (school-aged children need between 9 and 11 hours).

Create a morning routine: Practice getting up early, eating breakfast, and getting ready for school.

Schedule a preventive medical checkup.

Before the start of classes, it's important to make sure your child is in optimal health. Visit your pediatrician for a checkup on your child's weight, height, vision, and hearing.

At Hospital Serena del Mar, we offer a Pediatric Executive Checkup, where we comprehensively evaluate your child's health, allowing you to be alert to any potential health risks.

Make sure your child's vaccinations are up to date according to the national schedule. This prevents common illnesses and protects the school community.

A dental checkup beforehand ensures your child doesn't have any problems that could affect them during the school year.

Proper nutrition for academic performance.
At breakfast, include fruits, proteins, dairy products, and whole grains to improve concentration and academic performance.

For lunchboxes, you can prepare balanced snacks that include fruits, vegetables, proteins, and water as the main beverage. Avoid consuming ultra-processed products with excessive added sugars and saturated fats.

Teach your children the importance of drinking water regularly.

Encourage a Positive Attitude Toward Learning

At times, the school environment and social interactions can be challenging for young children. Therefore, it's important to reinforce their confidence by celebrating their efforts and motivating them to learn, set goals, and achieve them.

Avoid pressure. This is achieved by allowing your child to develop at their own pace and respecting their individual needs.

A successful return to school requires a team effort. As parents, preparation and support are essential for your child to face the new school year with confidence, health, and enthusiasm.

The Pediatrics team at Hospital Serena del Mar is ready to support you during this new school year.