Waking children up for school need not be a nightmare
For those of you who don't like to read, here is a bulleted summary:
- slowly adjust bedtime several weeks before school begins in 15 minutes increments. Don't wait until the night before school starts to try to get them to fall asleep at 8pm!
- have a regular bedtime routine that includes a book or story
- kids need 10-12 hours of sleep a night--teens need around 9 hours...ha!
- turn off the screens at least 1 hour before bedtime as the light from the screens signals our bodies to stay awake
- If children are going to bed at the right time and getting enough sleep, they will easily wake up
- Going to bed time does not always equal falling asleep time: adjust accordingly
Working Mom guilt:
I have heard mom's say they often let their children stay up later because they don't get enough time with them since they work during the day. My thoughts: 2 hours together with a pleasant child is much better than 4 or 5 with a cranky toddler who hasn't got enough sleep. Quality vs. quantity.
