Most would probably think this is a little late or too early to be discussing about. I certainly don’t think so. With kids, you always need to be one step ahead and for those who will be sending their kids to school for the first time, it is but high time you start the practice so that by the time comes, you’ll be ready because they are used to it already. Getting them ready in their school uniform every morning need not be a hardship as long as they have done it a million times. The same discipline that you instill in them early on is something that will benefit them in the long run.

After a long summer vacation where there wasn’t any need to wake up that early for a hectic and packed daily schedule going back can be quite daunting. After a lazy and very relaxed month or two, going back to school with its very fast paced and tightly packed school schedule is tough. It not only means waking up really early but then there is also a need to adjust parents schedules to accommodate breakfast, lunch box preparation, bathroom use and many more. So after getting used to making it in their business casual very leisurely, now they also have to rush in order to be able to finish all tasks and still manage to come to work on time.

So, while it is not yet school time, get the kids used to earlier wake-up times. Once a good routine has been established getting them ready and off to school is a breeze. Let them enjoy waking up late during the summer but don’t make a habit of it. There is absolutely nothing wrong with kids waking up early as long as they still have enough quality sleep which means of course having them sleep early to fulfill that. Consistency and routine make life so much easier for you when school starts in September or February (if you are from Australia).

Start Early With a Plan
Don’t wait until it’s too late to start planning for the changes that will no doubt occur. Have a family meeting three or two weeks before the start of classes to discuss the plan that has to be implemented. This is the time when you need to announce the new sleep schedule which is the hardest part because then parents would also need to change the computer time, TV time and all the things tweens live for. This is the time when parents need to explain the importance of sleep to growing children and the danger of not getting enough sleep.

According to the National Sleep Foundation, kids ages 5 to 12 need 10 to 11 hours of sleep each night. Although parents do understand that children need enough sleep but because they are also busy they are not able to give their children the critical sleep they need to develop and function properly. Sound sleep is very important because it ensures that children will have a sound foundation for proper mind and body development. If children need to fulfill the 10 to 11 hours of sleep, they need to sleep really early say 7 pm and wake up really late like 6 am. Sometimes with the busy schedule in the office and long hours of work, dinner and bedtimes are pushed back late but children would still need to wake up early in order to be able to eat breakfast and be in their school uniform before the school bus arrives. This then causes children to miss out on the necessary amount of sleeping.

Marc Weissbluth, MD in his book Healthy Sleep Habits, Happy Child shares some insightful comments to show how important sleep is:

"Sleep is the power source that keeps your mind alert and calm. Every night and at every nap, sleep recharges the brain's battery. Sleeping well increases brainpower just as weight lifting builds stronger muscles, because sleeping well increases your attention span and allows you to be physically relaxed and mentally alert at the same time. Then you are at your personal best."

Making your children realize the value of sleeping allows the whole family to be in the same page and see the need to set and follow the new sleep schedule and won’t see it as a dictatorship.

It’s Not All about Bedtime
Researchers at SRI International, an independent American research institute based in California, have found that children who had a regular bedtime performed better at languages, reading and maths than those who went to bed at different times. They also found that the earlier the child who went to bed, the better they performed at school.

When we say bedtime it does not only mean being in their beds early. What we want is to get them into an after school routine or a bedtime routine and that also means having them on the dinner table on a set time, limited time on computer, TV, and video and with enough time for studies. Setting a study time with a parent is also important in the after school routine. Let us not expect children to sleep early if they eat late. And when we say bedtime, it does not mean being in their bedrooms or their bed and still online or on the phone. In order that they can still get the much needed sleep they would have to forego some online time.

Bedtime routine is not set by children but by the parents. Setting a bedtime routine especially for babies and toddlers is important in making a significant impact on children’s emergent literacy and language skills. The data of the research done by SRI International on 8000 children showed that having a regular bedtime was the most consistent predictor of positive developmental outcomes. Children whose parents have rules on what time their children go to bed scored higher receptive and expressive language, phonological awareness, literacy and early math abilities.

Establish a Good Routine
After weeks of staying up late and sleeping in during the summer months becomes a routine. Changing that would be a little hard. What parents can do is establish the same routine whether school days or not when it comes to sleeping and waking up late. If you do change it a bit during the summer vacation, the make sure you go back to the same routine 2 or three weeks before school starts. Now, it’s not possible to immediately change the routine that has already been established. With the help of the alarm clock, adjust the body clock of our children little by little. Maybe for the first day, let them sleep at the usual time but wake them a little bit earlier than the usual. Then for that day adjust the sleeping time since they woke up earlier until they have adjusted their body clock to going to bed at the same time they will go during the school year.

Getting All the Help
One other tip that can help is getting all things ready the night before. Make sure all the things needed are in their backpacks or bags. Let your children do this after studying, it is their responsibility, but it is still important for parents to check it. Ready their school uniform or whatever they are going to wear for school so that they do not have to take too long while thinking of what to wear. This routine is for younger school children but can also be done for tweens with them choosing what to wear but having it ready for the next day. Asking one of them to help in preparing breakfast or the lunch bags will also help. Make sure that every time they do well and follow the established routine is recognized, praised or appreciated. It also helps in bolstering their self-esteem.

There are times parents have established a different routine and if it works then there is no problem. There are different factors to consider when establishing a routine that can be specific to your family. What is important is that children get the necessary sleep and that you are consistent. Consistency with any routine will benefit you and your child in less time than you may think.

Creating Positive Bedtime Rituals
Pediatrician Dr. Scott Cohen says: "Routine and predictability is the key."
Limit Sugar before Bed
Limit TV/Video Games 1 hour before bed

Parenting Consultant Ann Corwin, Ph.D says: "Kids need to feel safe when they go to bed."
Remember , for a child, going to bed is the ultimate separation from their parent.
Bedtime should always be about teaching kids to be able comfort themselves and feel safe even though their parents cannot be with them at that moment. So NEVER tell kids they need to 'go to bed' as a punishment/discipline technique.
Pick an Attachment Object.

Mommy Blogger Lisa Belkin, says: "Rituals that worked best at our house have varied from age to age."
Tucking in the stuffed animals.
Have your kids recount their day.
If your kids can't sleep, develop a special snack.
Singing a favorite lullaby.
Give them something to concentrate on once you leave the room.