Returning to class can be tough. Here’s ways parents can help kids adjust

The start of the school year brings changes to routines at home and, for many students, new rules and policies at school.

Pediatric psychologists say those changes can provide parents with an opportunity to check in with their children and help them adjust.

Dr. Abigail Schlesinger, Clinical Chief of Child and Adolescent Psychology at UPMC, said preparation is key, particularly when it comes to getting children back into a healthy sleep schedule.

“One of the big concerns we hear from parents is how are we going to adjust our schedule,” Schlesinger said.

She says if your family is struggling, start with a question.

“Starting in the morning, saying, last night was tough for getting started. Maybe even using this as an opportunity to ask them, What would make it easier for you?” Schlesinger said.

Cellphones can make the transition more difficult, especially when they interfere with sleep.

“I would say a key thing that makes sleep better is not having a phone in your room,” Schlesinger said.

More school districts across the Pittsburgh region are also implementing bell-to-bell cellphone restrictions this school year, making conversations about technology increasingly important for families.

Schlesinger said parents should help children understand both the positive and negative ways phones can affect their lives.

“I think as we notice what a benefit of that’s been at school, we should also think about our home environment and how much the cell phones and small screens have sort of taken over,” Schlesinger said. “We need to teach them how to interact. We need to help them use them in a positive way and help them realize how they could be negative,” she said.

She said those lessons can begin with an honest conversation at home. Parents can acknowledge their own struggles with technology and explain the steps they take to limit their cellphone use.

“It’s ok to say, ‘Hey, I feel like I want to use my phone a lot too. I purposely turn it over. I purposely move it away from my bed,’” Schlesinger said.

Rather than focusing only on the first day of school, Schlesinger encouraged parents to continue asking questions and having conversations with their children throughout the school year.

Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts.

Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW