Sleep Schedules for a Smooth Start.
even chocolate have enough caffeine or sugar to delay sleep. Offer water or milk after dinner and keep dessert portions small. 6. Model Good Sleep Habits If kids see parents staying up until 1am, they’re less likely to believe in the importance of bedtime. While you might not match their sleep schedule, winding down at a similar time reinforces the habit. Bottom line: A smooth transition to an earlier sleep schedule doesn’t just mean fewer groggy mornings - it helps kids concentrate, manage emotions, and enjoy the start of the school year. By starting early and making small, consistent changes, your family can greet September mornings rested and ready.
• Bath or shower • Pajamas • Reading together or quiet solo reading • Lights dimmed • No screens at least 30–60 minutes before bed 4. Make the Bedroom Sleep-Friendly • Keep the room cool, quiet, and dark • Use blackout curtains if streetlights are an issue • Reserve the bed for sleep - not homework, TV, or games 5. Cut Back on Late-Day Caffeine and Sugar Surprisingly, many snacks, drinks, and
before school starts. Adjust in 15-minute increments every few nights until you reach the target bedtime. 2. Set a Consistent Wake-Up Time Bedtime isn’t the only thing that matters - consistent wake-up times help reset the body’s internal clock. Even on weekends, try to keep wake-up within an hour of school mornings. This consistency makes early mornings less painful. 3. Create a Calming Wind- Down Routine Kids need time to transition from play to sleep. A predictable sequence helps signal that it’s time to rest:
Resetting bedtime after summer.
Summer in NYC often means late nights, long days in the park, and movie marathons that stretch way past bedtime. But once school is back in session, a solid sleep routine is essential for kids to stay focused, energized, and ready to learn. Here’s how to gently shift from summer mode to school-year sleep without meltdowns - for kids or parents. 1. Start the Shift Early If you wait until the night before school starts to enforce bedtime, you’re setting everyone up for a rough first week. Begin moving bedtime earlier about 2 weeks
10 | New York Loves Kids | Family Fall Guide 2025
New York Loves Kids | Family Fall Guide 2025 | 11
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