After a busy few weeks of late-night festivities, indulgent treats and irregular schedules, you might now face the challenge of getting your children back into a consistent sleep routine as school and work resumes. Establishing regular sleeping patterns can not only help improve your child’s mood, but also their overall wellbeing and academic performance.
So, how can you make the transition from holiday chaos to bedtime bliss? Here are some tips to help reset your little one’s sleep schedule and get them back on track for a fresh start in January…. 1. Encourage them to be active during the day. 2. Make the adjustment a gradual process.
3. Build a wind-down routine. “A sleep routine doesn’t just start with the time you go to bed but incorporates what you do throughout the evening,” explains Warwick. “You might have dinner and then take some time to watch something light together, like a half-hour comedy.
“Then, perhaps a warm bath or shower before they go into their bedroom, where they can read a book, listen to music, or have a warm drink (without caffeine).”. 4. Avoid bright lights before bed. “A bright light can make falling asleep harder, so encourage them to avoid screen time close to bedtime,” explains Browning. “Especially damaging is the light emitted from iPads, phones and tablets because those are held so close to the face.”.
