Here in California, our kids are already heading back to school. Some of us parents are teary eyed, wondering where all the time went, while the rest of us are doing our happy dance. Don’t get me wrong – I LOVE my children and we love to make the best of summer together. But this summer has been particularly rough on me dealing with anxiety, shingles and now bells palsy. Mama needs a break!
And… my kids love the socialization that school offers and they love to learn, so really, the new school year benefits us all!
Getting back to a good back to school sleep routine after a summer goofing off can prove to be more challenging than one would think. Its so easy to think that because our children are young, they can adjust quickly and easily and this just isn’t so!
So how can you prepare your children for their new back to school sleep routine?
Start Early
Bedtime routines are not established overnight and take time. Starting your new back to school sleep routine 2 weeks in advance gives yourself and your child the time the adjust. One of our biggest struggles at home is that my children associate the dark sky out for bedtime. Unfortunately our skies are blue until we are well into the Fall season so if your children are anything like mine, it might be worthwhile to look into light blocking curtains.
Create a Relaxing Bedtime Routine
Consistency is key, especially for younger kids. They thrive on consistency and you will too! In our home the routine looks something like this:
6pm – Dinner
6:45pm – Bath
7pm – Brush Teeth & Last Potty before bed
7:05pm – Bedtime story
7:20pm – Lights out
Invest in Comfy, Breathable PJs and Bedding
If your kids aren’t coming to you saying they are hungry or thirsty, they are most likely coming to you because their pillow is hot or the tags on their PJs are itching them. I have three kids so I’ve been around the block a few times with every excuse in the book. We were recently sent a set of the cutest PJ’s from Little Sleepies and I have to say that these are hands down, the best PJs we have ever owned. They have no tags, are made from the softest and stretchiest bamboo fabric and contain zero chemicals! We also use bamboo sheets that keep my kids cool throughout the night and as well as a bamboo memory foam pillow to ensure they get the best rest possible!
Be Firm with the Bedtime Routine
This one was a little harder for our family, personally. My husband works so hard during the week and loves to take us out for family adventures on the weekend. Its so easy to think “there is no school tomorrow, they can stay up late” but you would be amazed how just 2 nights off your sleep routine can throw a wrench into your entire week. We really try hard to stick to our new back to school routine, especially during the first month of the new school year so that our children have the time they need to adjust.
Be Patient
Any routine in itself takes time. There will be some set backs and some nights, especially those first few, will be rough. Be patient with your little ones as they prepare to navigate a whole new season of change!
I hope that these tips were helpful to you and your family and I wish you all the best for the new school year!
OMG, we all need blackout curtains in our rooms! Thanks for the reminder!
Those pjs are so cute! I need to get Parker back on her bedtime routine soon. She’s been going to bed later and later this summer.
Okay, this pajamas are so adorable & I love your tips.
These are fantastic tips for sleeping!! One thing I would add is using oils + a diffuser. It totally and completely changed what bedtime looks like in our house- for the better!