One of the most difficult parts about the back to school season is the task of waking children early again. After a long summer of fun and sleeping in, establish an early wake routine may be difficult. The good news is there are ways to establish a back to school bedtime routine so you can start the year off on an earlier foot! Take a look below at how to establish a back to school bedtime routine so you can kick off the school year on a well rested foot.
- Establish an earlier bedtime at least one week before school starts. The best thing to do is to get children into the routine prior to the school year starting. Begin implementing the suggestions below at least one week before school begins. This way when the school year actually starts, they will already be in the habit of the earlier bedtime.
- Give a bedtime warning to start the wind down process. Kids do well when given a warning that bedtime is approaching. Try alerting kids that bedtime is approaching about one hour ahead of time. This gives them the chance to start their bedtime routine and know that sleepy time is near.
- Use books and music to help relax children before bed. About an hour before bedtime you can use storybooks and music to help children relax. This is also a wonderful bonding time for parents and children, and can help strengthen their reading and other learning skills as well.
- Create a tasks checklist for children to use. Create a task list that children can consult before bedtime. It can include tasks such as brushing teeth, flossing, putting school bag and shoes by the front door, saying prayers, and other tasks you wish for them to do. This way they can take initiative and help in the bedtime process.
- Establish a time to turn off all technology. Studies have shown that by turning off electronics an hour before bedtime you can fall asleep easier and faster. Avoid all screen time an hour before bed and see if it helps make a difference. This turn off time is also the perfect transition time to read and listen to music as mentioned above.
- Try a little lavender. Diffuse some lavender oil in the child’s room or add a lavender sachet under their pillow. This can help them ease into sleep and get a better night’s sleep as well. Lavender has aromatherapy properties that can help induce relaxation and make bedtime a little easier.
- Do baths at night. Give children a bath at night. Not only will it get them clean but will help relax them as well. It also saves you time during the morning rush to try and get them washed up. Bathe at night instead and you not only save time in the morning but can help with their overall relaxation in the process. Add a little lavender to their bath to help them feel sleepy. Are you ready to get a back to school bedtime routine established? Give these tips a try and see how they can help your child get their best sleep yet.
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Chelley @ A is for Adelaide
Sunday 7th of August 2016
AHHH!!! SCHOOL! We always do bathtime at night, but I will definitely be adding lavender EO into our routine. I used to do some with a carrier oil on the kids' feet, but now they take their socks off and touch their feet and it worries me that they may ingest it. A diffuser is such a good idea!
Marcie W.
Saturday 6th of August 2016
The transition back to school tends to be tough, so it's important to be prepared. I love the idea of a checklist so kids can get used to the changes in their routine.
Elizabeth Lampman
Saturday 6th of August 2016
It is so important to get kids ready to go back to school. We always start about a week before School so they are ready for the first day.