Hi everyone, I’m feeling really stressed about this new chapter in my son’s life. He’s been used to staying up late and waking up whenever he wants. With school starting soon, we’re going to have to get him on a better sleep schedule. I’m worried about how this is going to go, I can already see him being cranky or struggling to focus because he’s just not getting enough rest. I want to help him adjust, but I’m dreading the battles at bedtime. How do I make this transition smoother without it becoming a nightly war?
I feel like my kid’s internal clock is just so different from the school schedule. Did anyone else feel like their kid just wasn’t wired for early mornings? How did you handle it?
My son went through the same thing when he started kindergarten. The first week was the hardest, but once we set a consistent routine, it got easier. We started with a relaxing activity like reading a book and gradually moved bedtime earlier by 15 minutes every couple of days. It wasn’t perfect, but it worked over time. You’ve got this!
Start shifting bedtime earlier now, like 10-15 mins at a time. It’ll be less of a shock.
Been there! My kids are older now, but when they were 5, I was in the same boat. What worked for us was a three, step routine: bath, book, bed. I also dimmed the lights in the house about an hour before bedtime to help them wind down. Another tip: no screens for an hour before bed! I learned that the hard way. If you’re consistent, it’ll get easier after a couple of weeks. And remember, a little resistance is normal, it doesn’t mean you’re doing anything wrong. Hang in there, mama!
I feel your pain. Sleep transitions are so hard. My 4 year old still fights bedtime some nights, and it’s exhausting. Just know you’re not alone in this.
I’ve got three kids, and trust me, this phase passes. The trick is to be consistent. One thing I’ve learned is to set up a reward system. For example, if they follow the bedtime routine all week, they get to pick a fun activity for the weekend. It helps motivate them to stick to the routine without you having to nag constantly. Also, don’t forget to give yourself grace. You’re doing an amazing job just by being proactive about this
We’re in a similar spot with our 5 year old, and bedtime has always been a struggle. Have you tried a visual schedule? We’re thinking about making one with pictures of each step in the routine, like brushing teeth, putting on PJs, etc. I’ve heard it works wonders for kids who thrive on structure. If anyone’s tried this, did it help?
You’re already ahead of the game by thinking about this now. It’ll get better, promise!
THX so much for all the advice and encouragement! I’m definitely going to try starting the bedtime shift tonight. The idea of a reward system is great too, he’s really motivated by fun weekend activities. I’ll also cut out screen time before bed and try dimming the lights. Fingers crossed this works! I’ll keep you all posted!