...Okay, so you're never going to have a perfect bedtime routine, but you can make sure you get your kids back into a regular sleep routine before they head back to school. Check out the following tips from Canadian Living to learn how to get your little ones back on track by the fall:
Perfect a bedtime routine
Training your body to expect both waking and sleep at the same time will help you fall asleep and get up faster. When planning out sleep time, remember to factor in the entire "bedtime experience," which can include bedtime, brushing teeth, nighttime story, etc. this routine shouldn't last for more than an hour, and should include activities that your child loves, and will look forward to, which should help with bedtime arguments. Also make sure you start your bedtime routine when your child is sleepy, but not too tired to the point that they're uncooperative.
Get rid of dust bunnies
Your kids won't go to sleep if they're constantly sneezing! Try your best to dust all services of your kids' rooms, but especially concentrate on their bedside table, keeping an eye out for dust that can accumulate on nighttime toys and books.
Experiment with light, temperature and scent
Does your child sleep best in the dark? With a night light? What about with the light off but the bedroom door open? Take advantage of the last few weeks of school to play with different bedtime environments, including lights and temperature. If your home is air conditioned, this is also a good time to play with temperatures to see what heat level your child is most comfortable in. Also consider that certain scents like lavender and peppermint can have very soothing effects. Try purchasing an air freshener or pillow mist to soothe your kids at bedtime.
Learn how much sleep your child needs
Six-year-olds need about 11 hours of sleep, whereas pre-teens need nine to 10 hours of sleep every night. Keep in mind however that every child is unique, and some may need more or less sleep than others.
Evaluate your bedtime success in the morning
Check to see if your child is extra groggy in the morning, see how long it takes them to fully wake up, and modify bedtime accordingly.
Learn more:
10 secrets to a good night's sleep
Top 12 sleep solutions for parents of babies, toddlers and preschoolers
Perfect a bedtime routine
Training your body to expect both waking and sleep at the same time will help you fall asleep and get up faster. When planning out sleep time, remember to factor in the entire "bedtime experience," which can include bedtime, brushing teeth, nighttime story, etc. this routine shouldn't last for more than an hour, and should include activities that your child loves, and will look forward to, which should help with bedtime arguments. Also make sure you start your bedtime routine when your child is sleepy, but not too tired to the point that they're uncooperative.
Get rid of dust bunnies
Your kids won't go to sleep if they're constantly sneezing! Try your best to dust all services of your kids' rooms, but especially concentrate on their bedside table, keeping an eye out for dust that can accumulate on nighttime toys and books.
Experiment with light, temperature and scent
Does your child sleep best in the dark? With a night light? What about with the light off but the bedroom door open? Take advantage of the last few weeks of school to play with different bedtime environments, including lights and temperature. If your home is air conditioned, this is also a good time to play with temperatures to see what heat level your child is most comfortable in. Also consider that certain scents like lavender and peppermint can have very soothing effects. Try purchasing an air freshener or pillow mist to soothe your kids at bedtime.
Learn how much sleep your child needs
Six-year-olds need about 11 hours of sleep, whereas pre-teens need nine to 10 hours of sleep every night. Keep in mind however that every child is unique, and some may need more or less sleep than others.
Evaluate your bedtime success in the morning
Check to see if your child is extra groggy in the morning, see how long it takes them to fully wake up, and modify bedtime accordingly.
Learn more:
10 secrets to a good night's sleep
Top 12 sleep solutions for parents of babies, toddlers and preschoolers
