Dr. Letisha Jefferson, a board-certified pediatrician and award-winning children’s author, provides health tips for parents and students ahead of school reopening.
“It’s wise to start preparing for the next school year over the summer. Physically, maintaining a regular exercise routine, balanced diet, limited screen time and good sleep hygiene, can help students keep up their energy levels and help to avoid the ‘summer slump.’ On the mental side, summer can be a perfect time to address stress management, establish healthy routines, reflect on the past school year and even talk about any lingering anxieties about the upcoming school year,” said Dr. Jefferson.
Photo credit: Will Darden of Eriden Images
Parents can support their child’s emotional wellness by reinstating routines such as establishing consistent bedtimes and providing structured meals.
“Practicing open communication and regularly checking in with their child helps build trust and emotional awareness. Limiting screen time while encouraging more face-to-face social interaction can improve mood and reduce anxiety. Calming activities like journaling or creative hobbies also support mental balance,” Dr. Jefferson advised.
If a child is struggling emotionally, summer provides a family with time to seek counseling or have more intentional family time.
Dr. Jefferson mentioned that growing mental health and physical concerns in youth populations are increases in anxiety, depression, and screen-related stress among children and teens. On the physical side, rising rates of childhood obesity, poor sleep habits, and limited physical activity are very concerning topics within the pediatric community.
Additionally, many children and teens are not getting enough exercise or fresh air. Increased screen time with phones, tablets, and video games often crowds out opportunities for physical play. However, parents can set daily screen time limits and model active (screen-free) behaviors themselves.
“Prioritizing family activities like [taking] walks or [going on] bike rides can make movement a regular part of the day. Enrolling kids in summer camps, swimming lessons, or sports clinics also provides structured opportunities to stay active in a fun way. It’s important to include children in the planning of these activities, so that they feel involved and more motivated to participate fully. Additionally, encouraging unstructured play outside with friends or siblings helps promote both physical activity and social connection,” Dr. Jefferson stated.
Parents often underestimate the amount of fluid that their children need to drink, especially in the summertime.
“Parents can encourage better hydration by adding natural flavors like citrus slices, mint, or berries to make water more appealing. Providing a fun, personalized water bottle can also motivate kids to drink more throughout the day,” Dr. Jefferson recommended.
Parents should monitor the amount of junk food their children consume. Reduce junk food consumption by setting a positive example and making balanced meals a family priority. Dr. Jefferson said that involving kids in grocery shopping and meal preparation can increase their willingness to try healthier food options.
“Keeping fruits, vegetables, healthy snacks and water easily accessible also encourages better choices throughout the day. It’s also helpful to limit the availability of too much junk food at home,” she added.
It is important to note that teens who are going through puberty may need support. Dr. Jefferson suggests creating an open, honest dialogue and a safe space for discussing the topic.
“I believe it’s important to be available to answer questions and address concerns without judgment, which helps teens feel understood during these changes. Puberty brings challenges like fluctuating emotions, physical transformations that can affect self-image, and increased peer pressure, all of which might lead to conflicts with parents or feelings of isolation.”
She noted that in her experience, beginning age-appropriate conversations around eight or nine years old, long before the full onset of puberty, is a good idea. As more changes occur, the teen is not caught unprepared.
Children and teens should generally have at least one check-up per year with a pediatrician.
“Children under the age of three will have more frequent visits to monitor their development and growth more closely. Furthermore, if your child is dealing with a chronic illness or chronic medication management, they may require more frequent visits as well,” Dr. Jefferson explained.Visit www.learnplaywithdrj.com to learn more about Dr. Jefferson and her recently published children’s book.
