The backpacks and lunch boxes are out and Walmart is selling boxes of crayons for 10 cents! That can only mean one thing…….school is starting soon.
The lazy days of summer are coming to close and that means your late night BBQ’s and backyard camp outs are too.
Here are some tips to help you get back in to the swing of things!
1) Start now in adjusting your child’s bedtime back to a nice early start. If your child has been staying up late and sleeping in. Oh wait, who are we kidding? Staying up late and still getting up early. Start now in adjusting that bedtime. Slowly move it back to a reasonable time.
2) Make sure your child has an age appropriate bedtime routine. A good bedtime routine is critical in getting your child’s mind and body ready for bed. This routine does not need to be long and drawn out. Mom needs a break too! So keep it to a short and sweet 10-15 minutes, then you, my friend, are off the clock! Chocolate anyone?
3) Keep a regular bedtime even on weekends. This makes sure kids and teens are getting enough sleep. It also keeps their circadian rhythms regulated. I know I sound like a downer with this tip, but it will make life easier. Now the occasional late night for a special occasion is no big deal, but if your child is staying up late every weekend, it will only get harder and harder for them to have to keep adjusting back and forth.
4) All screen devices should be kept out of the bedroom. This included video games, televisions, computers, and cell phones. Use of electronics before bed can lead to poor sleep. Eliminate exposure to electronic media within an hour before bed. These items are lit by blue back lights which inhibit the release of melatonin. Really, your child can live without these things in their room. We did, right?
6) Make sure your child is getting plenty of exercise and sunshine during the day. Both of these things help set our body clock! Sitting in a class all day can be tough, so make sure they are getting lots of outside time. Take them to the park and run their legs off. They will sleep better for it!
Remember that sleep deprivation can have detrimental effects on school and work performance, safety while driving and working, the immune system, cognitive processes, and mood.
Children require(depending on age and if they are still napping) between 9-12 hours of sleep a night!
Your teachers will thank you for it!
I hope to Meet you in Dreamland!
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