Back to School Sleep Reset

We aren’t sure where summer went but school is starting and we all need to get back into a better sleep routine!  Dr. Tara Mamdouhi has all the tips to help make this transition as smooth as possible.

Back-to-school season is quickly approaching! Summer has a way of stretching bedtime later and later. Then suddenly school is two weeks away, and everyone needs to be up at 6:30 a.m.  To ease the transition, starting to adjust bedtime about two weeks before school begins gives your child’s body time to adapt gradually.

During the first week, start moving your child’s bedtime and wake time earlier by about 15 minutes every two or three days. Small shifts are usually much easier than announcing a brand new bedtime and hoping for the best. Try to keep wake-up time fairly consistent, even on weekends if possible.

In the morning, open the curtains, turn on the lights, and get everyone moving. Breakfast near a sunny window, a walk, or outdoor play can help reset the body’s sleep-wake rhythm. Morning sunlight exposure is key!

At night, switch to quieter activities about an hour before bed. Try to avoid highly stimulating activities (like screens!) close to bedtime. Aim to keep electronics like phones and tablets outside of bedrooms overnight. Follow a simple, predictable routine each night: bath or shower, pajamas, brush teeth, read a book, then bed. Repeating the same steps each night can help your child wind down and get ready for sleep.

During the second week, aim to match the actual school-night bedtime and morning alarm. This is also a good time for a few “practice mornings.” Have your child get dressed, eat breakfast, and gather everything they need by the time you would normally leave for school. Make mornings easier by preparing the night before. Lay out clothes, pack backpacks, and decide what’s for breakfast.

For nightly sleep goals, children generally need:

Ages 3–5: 10–13 hours, including naps

Ages 6–12: 9–12 hours

Ages 13–17: 8–10 hours

With these gradual changes, back-to-school season can be filled with more fun and fewer bedtime battles! As always, we’re just a quick call away if you have questions or concerns such as ongoing sleep problems, excessive daytime sleepiness, snoring or anything else!

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Spring Valley Pediatrics Expands Specialty Care with Allergy & Immunology Services Led by Dr. David Jeong, MD

Spring Valley Pediatrics Allergy & Immunology

Spring Valley Pediatrics is proud to announce the addition of Allergy & Immunology services to our growing range of pediatric specialty care. We are excited to welcome Dr. David Jeong, MD, a board-certified specialist in Allergy and Immunology, who will provide expert diagnosis, treatment, and management of allergic and immune-related conditions for children and adolescents.

This expansion reflects our ongoing commitment to providing comprehensive, family-centered healthcare that helps children thrive at every stage of development.

Meeting the Growing Need for Pediatric Allergy Care

Allergies and immune-related conditions affect millions of children across the United States. From seasonal allergies and asthma to food allergies, eczema, and immune disorders, these conditions can significantly impact a child’s health, comfort, and quality of life.

Families often face long waits to see specialists and navigate complex treatment plans. By bringing Allergy & Immunology services directly to Spring Valley Pediatrics, we can offer more convenient access to specialized care while maintaining the continuity and personalized attention families have come to expect from our practice.

Spring Valley Pediatrics Announces Allergy & Immunology Services with Dr. David Jeong, MD

Welcome Dr. David Jeong, MD

Spring Valley Pediatrics is delighted to welcome Dr. David Jeong, MD, whose expertise in pediatric and adult allergy and immunology will enhance the care available to our patients and community.

Dr. Jeong is dedicated to helping children identify the causes of allergic symptoms, develop effective treatment strategies, and achieve long-term relief. He believes in partnering closely with families to create personalized care plans that improve health outcomes while helping children live active, healthy lives.

His patient-centered approach combines the latest evidence-based treatments with compassionate care, ensuring families feel informed and supported throughout every step of their child’s treatment journey.

Comprehensive Allergy & Immunology Services

Dr. Jeong will provide evaluation and treatment for a wide range of allergic and immunologic conditions, including:

  • Seasonal and environmental allergies
  • Food allergies
  • Asthma and respiratory allergies
  • Eczema and atopic dermatitis
  • Allergic rhinitis (hay fever)
  • Chronic hives and skin reactions
  • Drug allergies
  • Insect sting allergies
  • Immune system disorders
  • Allergy testing and diagnosis
  • Personalized allergy management plans

By offering comprehensive diagnostic and treatment services in a pediatric-focused environment, Spring Valley Pediatrics aims to help families find answers and effective solutions more quickly.

Integrated Care for Better Outcomes

One of the greatest benefits of having Allergy & Immunology services within Spring Valley Pediatrics is the ability to provide coordinated care between primary pediatric providers and specialists.

This collaborative approach allows for seamless communication, more efficient treatment planning, and a better overall healthcare experience for families. Whether a child is struggling with asthma symptoms, recurring allergic reactions, or concerns about food allergies, our team can work together to deliver comprehensive care under one roof.

Helping Children Breathe Easier and Live Better

Untreated allergies and immune conditions can interfere with school performance, sleep, sports participation, and everyday activities. Early diagnosis and proper management can make a significant difference in a child’s health and well-being.

With the addition of Dr. David Jeong and our new Allergy & Immunology services, Spring Valley Pediatrics is expanding its ability to support children in achieving healthier, happier lives.

Schedule an Appointment

Families interested in learning more about Allergy & Immunology services or scheduling an appointment with Dr. David Jeong are encouraged to contact Spring Valley Pediatrics directly.

We look forward to providing expert allergy and immunology care that helps children feel their best and gives families confidence in managing their child’s health.

At Spring Valley Pediatrics, we’re committed to caring for the whole child—and that includes helping every child breathe easier, feel better, and thrive.

Spring Valley Pediatrics Expands Care with New Mental Health Services Led by Dr. Jonathan Extein


At Spring Valley Pediatrics, we have always believed that caring for children means caring for their whole well-being—physical, emotional, behavioral, and developmental. We are excited to announce the launch of Spring Valley Pediatrics Mental Health, a new service dedicated to supporting the mental health needs of children, adolescents, and their families. Beginning in August 2026, patients will have access to specialized child and adolescent psychiatric care under the leadership of Dr. Jonathan Extein.

Meeting a Growing Need for Pediatric Mental Health Care

Mental health challenges among children and teenagers have increased significantly in recent years. Families often face long wait times and limited access to qualified child and adolescent mental health specialists. Spring Valley Pediatrics Mental Health was created to help bridge that gap, providing timely, compassionate, and evidence-based care in a familiar and trusted pediatric setting.

Our goal is to make mental health services more accessible while maintaining the personalized approach that Spring Valley Pediatrics has provided to Washington-area families for decades.

Welcome Dr. Jonathan Extein

Mental Health Services with Dr. Jonathan ExteinWe are proud to welcome Dr. Jonathan Extein, a highly accomplished physician whose unique background combines academic excellence, education, public service, and medicine. Dr. Extein grew up in McLean, Virginia, attended Sidwell Friends School, and graduated magna cum laude from Princeton University with a degree in Politics. After teaching English in Madrid, Spain, and working on education reform initiatives in the Washington, D.C. region, he pursued medicine through post-baccalaureate studies at Goucher College before earning his medical degree from the Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University.

Dr. Extein brings a thoughtful, patient-centered approach to mental health care, helping children and adolescents navigate emotional, behavioral, and psychiatric challenges while partnering closely with families and pediatric providers.

Integrated Care for Children and Adolescents

The addition of mental health services strengthens Spring Valley Pediatrics’ commitment to comprehensive pediatric care. By integrating psychiatric services within the practice, families can benefit from improved coordination between medical and mental health providers, leading to more holistic care and better outcomes for children.

Whether addressing anxiety, depression, ADHD, behavioral concerns, school-related challenges, or other mental health conditions, Dr. Extein and the Spring Valley Pediatrics team are committed to helping young patients thrive.

Scheduling Appointments

Appointments for Spring Valley Pediatrics Mental Health can be scheduled beginning June 1 by calling 202-966-0815. Services will officially begin in August 2026, and families are encouraged to contact the office early to learn more about available services and appointment options.

A New Chapter in Pediatric Care

The launch of Spring Valley Pediatrics Mental Health represents an important step forward in addressing the growing mental health needs of children and adolescents in our community. We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Jonathan Extein and look forward to providing families with greater access to the compassionate, comprehensive care they deserve.

To learn more about Spring Valley Pediatrics Mental Health or to schedule an appointment, visit the Mental Health section of our website or contact our office directly.

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