School-age

3 tips for getting kids back to their school-time sleep schedule

One of the true joys of summer is letting routines slide. But if you don’t want mornings to be a nightmare come September, you need to get a jump on bedtime. Here’s how to reinstate a rock-solid sleep schedule for your little scholar.

By Kathryn Hayward August 22, 2016

Photo: @karimjones via Instagram

1. Do the math

Most kids need between nine and 10 hours of sleep. If they have to be up at 7 a.m. to get ready for the school bus, count backward from there to calculate their ideal bedtime. Add about 30 minutes for them to fall asleep.

2. Give them time

Suddenly enforcing an earlier bedtime is an exercise in frustration. Make it gradual: 10 days before school starts, move the routine up 10 minutes a night. Ensure they get up on time—no sleeping in, even on weekends.

3. Power down

This is a great time to brush up on sleep hygiene. Are bedrooms cool and dark? Are you avoiding screen time an hour before bed? Is everyone getting enough physical activity? Look at your own habits, too.