What is the secret to a great back-to-school?
Getting enough sleep is essential for every human being, and even more so for a small child. That's why it's important to start adjusting bedtime and waking time, little by little, until your child reaches the desired time that will work for your school schedule. Of course, make sure that your kids are sleeping the hours needed for their growth, which will vary depending on their age. Your pediatrician is the best person to give you this answer.
It is most effective to put them to sleep 15 minutes earlier each night until they reach their desired time to return to school.
Putting your children to bed 15 minutes earlier every day will help them gradually adjust to sleep. This will make your life easier and reduce the all too dreaded battles. However, it is normal to expect the changes in routine to cause mood swings, irritation, and fatigue in them. So get ready for meltdowns.
Avoid meltdowns with these 5 tips
1-Prepare a visual checklist to make it easier to leave home on time and not leave anything behind. (lunch box, water, backpack).
2-Sleep and rest you (the adult) to have more energy and better manage your own emotions and frustrations.
3-Decreases sugars and empty carbohydrates in the diet. Increase protein, vegetables, fruits, and water for everyone at home.
4-Simplify the routine. It is not the best plan to take them grocery shopping after a long day of school. Outdoor movement would be better.
5-Keep calm, breathe, and put yourself in your children's shoes. Imagine that it is your first day at a new job, no cellphones, new people, new rules, restricted hours and not being able to move as you have been doing for the last few weeks.
Univision San Francisco-Bay Area reached out to discuss the topic of sleep routines and back to school. Haz click en la imagen para ver el video completo en español.
Follow these practical tips to make going back to school more bearable for you and a more positive experience for your children.
More compassion + More empathy = Calmer you
Siury Pulgar, M. Ed.
Parent Educator and Coach