It’s that time of year again! Back to school time. While this time of year can be exciting and refreshing we know it can also be stressful. Take the stress out of getting back into the school routine with these tips and tricks.
Start Now
It’s never too early to get started on a new routine. The more time your family has to adjust the better. It can be difficult to go to bed early while it’s still summer and there’s so much fun to be had before it’s time to hit the books, but on days where there is nothing specifically planned it’s still a good idea to follow a regular bed time.
Don’t forget about wake up time either. Remember when your kids were just toddlers and would wake up easily at 6 a.m. every day? If you have school age kids chances are they are starting to enjoy sleeping in. As difficult as it is, it’s time to start making sure they are getting up early again. We don’t want to be late for school on the first day!
Create a Relaxing Bedtime Routine
Make bedtime a calm and relaxing ritual to help coax your kids to sleep. Start with a bath and add in some lavender oil or special lavender bath wash. Allow some quiet snuggles or reading. Heat an eye pillow like the ones made by Herbal Animals. They are infused with chamomile and lavender to help calm anxieties.
Invest in Some Shades
One of the most difficult things for kids to understand about going to bed early is that summer sun. It is usually a few weeks (or more depending on where you live) after the school year starts that it is actually dark at bed time. It’s not always fun to go to bed when it looks like it’s still play time outside. Invest in some amazing black out curtains to keep bedtime quiet and fuss free on the kids end. We like the window panel curtains from Ikea. Or if you’re feeling crafty you could purchase black out backing from your local craft store and sew it into your existing curtains.
Play Hard
It’s no secret that kids who play hard sleep hard. In the days and weeks leading up to the start of the school year spend time trying to run your kids ragged. Get out of the house, play at the park, or simply run errands. When they are tired at the end of the day they are sure to put up less of a fight when it comes to that earlier bed time.
Teach Time
Consider placing a clock in your child’s room. If they are old enough to tell time let them know what time is lights out and what time they are to get out of bed in the morning. This can help keep mom from feeling like the bad guy when it’s time to put the books away at the end of the night. It’s not mom’s fault! The clock says that book time is over. Same goes for kids who like to get out of bed early. Let your children know they must stay in bed until whatever time you determine. Toddler clocks like this adorable Ok to Wake Clock can help even your younger children to stay in bed until the clock says so.
Photo Credit: Little Miss Eclectic Photography
