Parents Can Help Children Adjust to a Return to School Schedule

• Children of different ages need different amounts of sleep.
• Early sleep helps children adapt to learning.
• Discussing the sleep schedule with children improves their self-esteem.

After summer vacations and late nights, it’s time to start adjusting bedtimes for a return to school. Regular sleep is important for the concentration and attention of students during classes. Experts recommend gradually transitioning children back to a normal schedule, especially since the new school year is already on the horizon.

Researchers emphasize that children of different ages need different amounts of sleep. For example, preschoolers need about 13 hours of sleep, while teenagers need between 8 to 10 hours. Quality sleep is essential for learning and daily activities.

Establishing an Early Sleep Schedule

During summer vacations, children often stay up late. To return to a schedule, experts recommend establishing an earlier bedtime one to two weeks before the start of the school year or gradually shifting bedtimes 15-30 minutes earlier each night. It’s important not to skip meals before sleep and to avoid screens or gadgets for two hours before bed. Instead, consider engaging in relaxing activities, such as reading or meditating.

Mother of three, Nikki Hargrove, shows that discussing sleep routines with children helps them understand the importance of sleep. She pushes her daughters’ bedtimes 30 minutes earlier each week before school, allowing them to discuss when they would prefer to go to sleep.

Managing Anxiety Before School

The quality of sleep is just as important as its duration. Children may feel anxiety on the first day of school, which can disrupt sleep. Experts advise parents to identify what specifically triggers anxiety in children. For example, it could be the fear of new friends or academic expectations. Test meetings with the school or classmates can help reduce these fears.

Even if the preparation for a new schedule doesn’t go perfectly, children will eventually adapt. Experts recommend that parents maintain a calm and consistent routine.

Tags: Well-being