After the extended Tet holiday, children's routines often face disruption from late nights, late mornings, and irregular eating habits. Their return to school, coinciding with seasonal transitions, heightens the risk of illness as weather conditions become favorable for virus and bacteria growth.

Master of Science, Doctor Doan Thi Hoai Trang, from the Pediatric Unit at Tam Anh District 7 General Clinic, advises parents to consider several factors before children return to school after Tet. This helps children adapt well and reduces their risk of illness.

Re-establish the biological clock

Parents should ensure children go to bed earlier and wake up on time. This helps prevent sluggishness or dozing off in class. Children need to resume the habit of eating a full breakfast and having lunch on schedule, aligning with their school routine.

Ensure children go to bed early and wake up on time to re-familiarize them with a new routine. Illustration created by AI

Adjust nutritional intake

After days of consuming many sweets and sugary drinks, children's digestive systems require adjustment for stable functioning. Parents should increase vegetables and fruits in meals. These provide fiber for digestion and vitamins to boost immunity. Eating times during Tet should closely match the daily schedule to prevent picky eating or digestive disorders. Children also need to drink enough water to avoid dry throats and pharyngitis during the dry spring weather.

Prevent infectious diseases

After Tet, infectious diseases such as influenza, hand-foot-mouth disease, chickenpox, and measles pose an outbreak risk. This is due to increased travel and contact in crowded festival settings. Parents should remind children to clean their hands and feet thoroughly, washing hands frequently with soap before eating and after using the restroom. When using public transportation or visiting crowded areas, children should wear masks.

Parents should review their child's immunization schedule, ensuring they receive all necessary vaccinations and booster shots. This reduces the risk of illness and outbreaks in schools. If a child shows signs of fever, cough, rash, or fatigue, they should stay home for monitoring. This prevents spreading infections to classmates.

Keep the body warm

The weather after Tet often brings cold mornings, sunny afternoons, and cool evenings. Parents should pay attention to keeping children warm. Areas like the neck, chest, and soles of the feet need warmth when taking children to school early. Dress children in multiple thin layers; they can remove clothing if they become warm or sweat while playing.

Stabilize children's psychology

Many children may feel reluctant to return to school after Tet, crying or wanting to stay home. Parents should encourage and motivate them. Parents can help children organize their books and school clothes, and talk about school memories and friends to rekindle their enthusiasm.

Doctor Trang advises parents to closely monitor their children's behavior during the first week back at school. If a child shows signs of fatigue or picky eating, parents should ensure they get rest, provide appropriate nutrition, and establish a gentle daily rhythm.

Dinh Lam