Establishing a Back to School Bedtime

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Establishing a Back to School Bedtime

Summer break is a fun and busy time for many young children. With the longer daylight hours, children are able to extend playtime into the evening. Now that summer is coming to an end, parents may find it difficult to establish a bedtime routine for their little night owl.

Boys Town Pediatrics offer parents a few tips to help ease the transition from summer vacation to back to school:

Start setting boundaries, early. About a month before the first day of school, set a bedtime and wake-up time. Then slowly move this time back in 15 minute increments until you reach the appropriate times for your child.

Get your child used to morning activities. Plan your final summer activities in the mornings and early afternoons. Putting more emphasis on the mornings will help your child become accustom to doing activities during the day (when they would be in school) rather than at night time.

Keep a routine. Stay consistent with bed time and wake time, even on the weekends. This will help children adjust easier to the new schedule.

Boys Town Pediatrics recommends elementary school children should get 10-12 hours of sleep. Pre-teen through high school youth should get 9-11 hours of sleep. This guide will vary for each individual child, but the most important thing parents can do is be consistent.

By Kent Amstutz, D.O. - Boys Town Pediatrics

Source : Parenting