We are only a few days into the back to school routine, but I am SO EXCITED by how smoothly everything is going! I know it is still the 1st week, but I wanted to share some of the tricks and tips that made this year’s transition a success! I learned from the mistakes I made last year. I didn’t start a routine early enough and we kicked off the school year with 2 miserable weeks.
I talked about this last week, but during the summer, we throw our bedtime routine out the window! I think it is totally worth it, but you do need a solid plan to get your kids ready for class.
Here’s 4 ways I got my kids “Back to School, Back to Sleep” ready:
1. Start Early: We started pushing back bedtime about a week and a half before school started. I did it in 15 minute increments. My son complained at first that he wasn’t tired, but I still made him go to bed. (I did let him read books) Consistency is key here.
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| The earlier bedtime was no problem for my husband, who ALWAYS falls asleep after book time! It took my son a bit longer to get into his new sleep routine. |
2. Turn the TV Off: We went back to the regular school year routine of turning the TV off before dinner and leaving it off. That way, there are no arguments… no “Just 10 minutes more! Please???” The kids know they can grab a book or play quietly until bed, but TV is out of the question.
3. Ease Into Mornings: For my son, I’m the one that gets him out of bed in the morning. He had an alarm in the past, but he would ignore it. Now I gently wake him up, tell him it is time to start the day, remind him of all the wonderful things he has to look forward to. My mom used to wake me up this way, and I still remember it. I slowly start opening his blinds and give him a few minutes. He rarely gives me any issues and both of us start our day in a pleasant mood.
4. Have a Healthy Breakfast Ready: We all know the importance of breakfast! I like to give my kids a few healthy options, so they feel like they are making the choice. Also, be sure to find out what time your child eats lunch. My son eats fairly early, so if he doesn’t eat much… I am not too concerned. However, if his lunchtime was later, I would be sure to give him plenty of time to eat. No one likes a ‘hangry’ 1st grader!
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| A MASSIVE bowl of cereal makes my boy happy! (but not as happy as wearing his karate outfit 24-7) |
If your child is having issues falling or staying asleep, you may want to take another look at their mattress. As an adult, we all want a comfortable bed… but many parents are quick to add-on the cheap mattress offered with a kids new bedroom set! According to the National Sleep Foundation, kids between the ages of 5-10 need about 10 to 11 hours of sleep a night, so a good mattress is a MUST!
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| Another happy morning with my well-rested bunch! |
Sealy partnered with the UNC School of Medicine, surveying over 1,000 parents about sleep habits leading into the back-to-school season. More than two thirds of parents say getting back on a sleep schedule is the hardest part of getting into the back to school routine. Sealy created this awesome infographic to break down what else they found!
I hope everyone is having a great start to the school year! Parents… I would love to hear your tips and tricks that helped to make sure your kids were ready to head back to class!
My kids are too young to go to school but these are great tips for when they get there. Its only a year before my son goes to preschool but we've got some time with my daughter, she's about to turn three months. I hope your easy mornings continue! I love the waking your son up routine, I'm going to have to steal that one.
Yes it is such a nicer way to wake up! 🙂 Your kids are still so little, I am jealous! I feel like my youngest was just born yesterday!! 🙂
Great tips! I don't have kids–but this works for me! Love your kiddo in his karate suit. But turning off the TV is the most important!!
He is karate obsessed!
My youngest started kindergarten this year. He is my night owl and I was really worried about waking him up in the mornings! But I have been doing it very gently and he hasn't given me a problem.
I think it makes a big difference. No one wants to be rattled out of bed suddenly! (especially me!) 😉 I hope he is having a great start so far!
Such a great post! That infographic is full of awesome info!
I know! I love the bribes to get kids out of bed.. ha
Mattresses TOTALLY matter! We get new ones every decade – love the Sealy graphic! And great tips…getting up earlier is key!
Oh the #1 and #2 items on your list! I cannot stand hearing the "Please just 5 more minutes" argument from my kids! Plus a good mattress totally matters and a great night's sleep starts the day off on the right foot for sure!
Great tips! Our school starts on Tuesday, and we're working on the earlier bedtime. That's really a great idea about the no TV. That picture of your son and husband is too funny! 🙂
Great tips! I can remember my mom start adjusting our bed time a week or two before school started each year!
I wish my kids got that amount of sleep… No way my three year old gets 10 hours sadly. Maybe it's time for a new mattress;)
I really hope your son wore that karate outfit to school! He's awesome!
Excellent tips! Starting early can be challenging, LOL…
Great tips! Breakfast is the hardest part around here because my kids like to hang around for a while before they eat, but with school starting, we can't do that!
Getting back into the school schedule can be a challenge. These are some great tips.
This is totally awesome! We have several students that come to our center with sensory issues and bed-time can be one of the most challenging. A good mattress is by far one of the most important things, especially when kids like our struggle with texture and how the beds feel. It can make a huge difference. I also really like turning off the TV. We have found with our students that it tends to be counterproductive and they struggle to get to sleep. A good night sleep is so important for them the next day when they have to go to school. Love it!
interesting info!
Great reminders to starting off school on the right note! Thanks!
I love the pics you used on this post! School starts a bit later here in New York but I enjoyed reading this, and starting to think about my son's first day back in a couple of weeks! I just started following your instagram too!
I need to figure out a better bed time schedule for the kiddos. I'm gonna try some of these out.
Hi from Tampa!
My youngest just turned 18 and is 6' 10" tall. His dad just made him a custom sized bed and we bought a Sealy – He graduated and is taking a gap year to work with a former MLB pitcher and I am having the HARDEST time getting him off that mattress!!! LOL He is like an otter, Sleep, Eat, Play, Repeat!
Great tips. I keep trying to get my teen to get to bed earlier but, it's getting harder and harder. I hate grumpy mornings!! I'd love a new bed myself for bts. 😉
Great ideas for easing back into school. I especially like the waking up in 15 minute earlier increments versus getting up a whole hour earlier in one day. Love it.
This is such a smart way of preparing little ones for school! Instead of letting them stay up late like during the summer months and wake up extra tired on the first day of school, just train them to re-learn their old sleeping pattern. Thanks for sharing!
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