Anyone with kids knows that trying to wake them up and get them ready for school on time can be challenging, especially at the beginning of the school year. Mornings can be pretty hectic when everyone is trying to get out the door, and they’re even worse when your kid is still snoozing after you’ve told them to get up three times. These tips can help you get them up and moving so they’re not late for school.
- Establish a consistent sleep schedule - After a long summer of sleeping in late, it may take some time to get your child’s sleep routine back on track for school mornings. Start adjusting their bedtime and wake up time a few weeks before school starts and maintain it on the weekends because it’s a lot easier to get up on Monday mornings if they’ve been doing it on Saturday and Sunday.
- Limit screen time before bed - They’re not going to like it, but limiting time on phones, TVs, computers and tablets can help them wind down and fall asleep easier.
- Create a relaxing bedtime routine - Get your kid involved in making a routine that helps them calm down, which can include soothing activities like writing in their journal, reading or listening to music.
- Expose them to natural light - In the morning, open those blinds and curtains to let the sunlight in, which will help your child regulate their body’s internal clock.
- Use an alarm clock - Let little kids pick out their own alarm clock at the store since they’re more likely to use something they choose.
- Try positive incentives - When they consistently get out of bed on time, give them words of encouragement, praise, or special attention. You can also set up a rewards system so when they reach a goal of waking up on time for a certain number of days, they get a toy, game or experience.
- Get regular physical activity - Kids who are more active during the day are more likely to fall asleep faster than those who are more sedentary.
- Make dietary changes - What kids eat during the day can affect their sleep. Avoiding large meals or spicy food before bed can help make it easier to fall asleep and stay asleep.
- Create a morning routine together - Let them get involved in the process so they look forward to it and are more likely to stick to the routine.
- Model healthy habits - Kids will follow your lead, so practice healthy sleep habits and manage your own morning routine effectively and they will tend to do the same.
Source: Cafe Mom