Q. My son transferred from three days a week of preschool to a full week of kindergarten. I understand the advantages of a head start in reading and math skills, but he comes home from school exhausted and worn out. I am wondering if this schedule is worth it.

While children may become fatigued after attending kindergarten all week, the panel explained that the students do adjust, usually within five or six months.

Panelist Erin Stalsitz said the age cutoff date for admission to kindergarten may be a factor: “Kids at the end of the cutoff are going to be months behind the other children age- wise. My son turned five early in July, and it was an adjustment. He was napping every day after school.” Her son’s teachers told Stalsitz to give it until January, and she says they were right.

The panelists suggested that letting the boy nap at home for 15 or 20 minutes after school might be a good idea.

Panelist Denise Continenza also suggested limiting evening activities for a while: “Some parents want their kids to come home, eat dinner, then participate in sports or dance class or cheering,” she said. “It’s a long day for a five- or six-year-old.”

Adjusting the boy’s routine is an important point, panelist Wanda Mercado-Arroyo said: “The mother should consider having her son eat earlier and go to bed sooner.”

Sometimes that can be difficult, according to Stalsitz: “When there are older siblings who have activities to go to, the younger child may need to be brought along.”

Panelist Pam Wallace suggested talking to the son’s teacher, and trying to work out adjustments that could be made to help the situation: “Remember, though, that she needs to consider her child’s particular needs and differences without comparing him to other children.”

“If the boy continues to be fatigued, the parents should have him checked for a health-related issue,” Mercado-Arroyo said, adding, “Is he not eating well? Is he having trouble sleeping at night?”

An alternative to napping in the classroom, the practice known as “Mindfulness,” was discussed by Stalsitz: “The teacher turns the lights out and plays calming music while the students lie on their backs and breathe with stuffed animals on their stomachs.” It rests the mind rather than sleeping, Stalsitz said, adding, “My children love it, and I’ve seen them doing it at home.”

This week’s team of parenting experts are: Pam Wallace, Program Coordinator, Project Child, a program of Valley Youth House; Denise Continenza, extension educator; Wanda Mercado-Arroyo, former teacher and school administrator, and Erin Stalsitz, Lehigh County Children and Youth Casework Supervisor.

Have a question? Email: projectchild@projectchildlv.org

The Family Project is a collaboration of the Lehigh Valley Press Focus section and Valley Youth House’s Project Child.

The Times News, Inc., and affiliates (Lehigh Valley Press) do not endorse or recommend any medical products, processes, or services or provide medical advice. The views of the columnist and column do not necessarily state or reflect those of the Lehigh Valley Press. The article content is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician, or other qualified health-care provider, with questions.