Getting back in Back to School Routine
Posted August 17, 2015 - 4:16pm
How do you get your kids back into the back to school routine. I think this might be my toughest since my teen has gotten used to being a night owl and sleeping until midnight.
sunnykathleen
About a week before school begins I have him start cutting back his bedtime by a half hour each night until he is back to a more normal school time bedtime. I always assume the first few weeks of school he will be exhausted - getting back into the routine of sitting in a classroom and doing homework is tiring!
jonbonjovious
I agree with @SunnyKathleen. We cut back each night until we get to the school bedtime hour. We have a time they must go to their room and a time that is light's out. It gives them some down time and works well for us.
justamom
I think what I"ve noticed is the things that kids look forward to most on their first month back at school is the chance to buy new stuff: school supplies, clothes they've picked out, new shoes, etc. I let them pick out what they want to wear the night before & lay it out. This saves time in the morning rush too. I have them get their backpacks, notebooks, etc & all stuff they're taking with them & keep it by the front door. And yes, I would dial back the bedtime a bit before school starts.
Frugal Minded M...
While I can get my youngers ones to go up to bed earlier, and I start the week before too, my 17 year old is resisting. Guess he' just going to be tired that first week.
jonbonjovious
It is true...there is so much excitement about everything being new! It's a great way to start the school year...
CandyOvercaffed
For my grade schoolers, this week I reinstated their school year bedtime. We aren't practicing our morning routines because *I* am not a morning person. I am the problem in this scenario, not them - ha! I can't imagine what it will be like to get a teen on a school schedule as I was a night owl myself. I'm not looking forward to that at all.
MommyUnwired
I think it is easier fto get a younger child get back into the back to school routine. I have teens and they are like vampires (lol), They barely sleep(an no amount of advising them to sleep early makes them sleep early)
Frugal Minded M...
Today was the first day of school and amazingly they all woke up pretty easily. My biggest concern is my 9 year old because he kept waking up all night long and was actually awake at 5:30. Guess he's pretty excited, but he'll be wiped at the end of the day.
CandyOvercaffed
I have to say, now that we are on day 2 of this school year, mornings are rough for my 9 year-old. She used be such an early riser, but not so much anymore...
Frugal Minded M...
You started the same day as us. What state are you in @CandyOverCaffed. My 9 year old slept slightly better on night two, but still was up really early this morning. Think it was because he hears the older siblings up and doesn't want to miss out.
CandyOvercaffed
We are in TX. This morning was a little rough... although they both woke up on time they were lollygagging. Not a great way to start the week!
jonbonjovious
We started school August 10....our morning routine wasn't the issue...it was the coming home, needed snacks and homework before playtime.
Frugal Minded M...
Wow, August 10th is early. I know they do it in different states though. I agree it's sort of crazy in the afternoon too. Personally it's taking me a bit of time getting used to my kitchen table being covered in books and papers before dinner time.
beachcitymom
This is tough for us too. My son is a night owl and used to staying up late. We homeschool so we don't have to leave the house early in the morning but he does have an online class 3 times a week at 7 am...so I can imagine this is going to be rough the first week of school.
sunnykathleen
I wish they allowed for a later start for high school teens. They need a lot of rest during this time of growth and change!
Frugal Minded M...
I agree. I think it's ridiculous that they start the earliest out of any of them. My high schoolers start school at 7:15. THat means they need to be at the bus stop by 6:50.