Now that summer is well and truly here, your kids may be struggling to sleep in the lighter evenings. This is very natural and understandable, but it can lead to frustration for everyone. You want your kids to go to bed so that you can have some quieter time in the evenings, and they are getting grouchy because they haven’t slept properly for days. If your family is in this situation, check out these simple tips on how to help your kids get enough sleep in the summer.
Black Out Blinds
It may be worth investing in some blackout blinds for your kids’ rooms. Although installing these can be expensive, you will see a quick return in the form of your kids being able to get to sleep faster and stay asleep for longer, even when the evenings and mornings are lighter.
Stick to a Schedule
Although it might be hard if your kids are complaining that they can’t sleep, sticking as tightly as you can to their normal bedtime routine will help them stay in their sleeping pattern and will make things easier for everyone. If they’re struggling to sleep at the right time, spend the hour before bedtime winding down. This means avoiding screens, spending time in a darkened room, and doing calming activities such as listening to soothing music or reading a bedtime book.
Adjust Your Weekend Plans
Ultimately, you may have to accept that to a certain extent, summer will disrupt your family’s normal bedtime routines. While you can’t do much about this during the week, it may be worth adjusting your weekend routines to allow your kids a bit more time to sleep in, so that they can catch up on rest they’ve missed out on. Focusing on relaxing and spending time outside over the weekend can also support your kids to develop a reliable sleep routine, making it easier for them to fall asleep in the evenings.