This post is sponsored by Natrol but the content and opinions expressed here are my own.
After spending months doing whatever the heck we want, it’s pretty hard getting back into the school routine. McKenzie and Kasey will be going into 5th grade. This means they’re at the age where going to school isn’t “fun” anymore. They HATE early mornings and the older they get, the MOODIER they get!! Since school doesn’t start for a couple more weeks, I wanted to get them back into school habits early. I’m going to share some tips on getting your kiddos back in a good nighttime routine.
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Healthy sleeping habits can lead to a better school day for your kids. Pediatrician Dr. Tanya Altmann, knows that a good nights sleep can lead to a better day for the whole family. Kids aged 4 to 12 need at least 10 to 12 hours of sleep every night. She recommends some good tips to incorporate into your child’s nightly routine so they get their full amount of rest – I’m going to share the ones we incorporate into our routine.
One of the things I have talked about before and recommend it to ALL parents is sticking to the same routine each night. This way they know what to expect every single night. They know when they need to be in bed and it doesn’t turn into a fight. Having tween aged girls… I avoid the arguments as much as possible. When it’s a school night, McKenzie and Kasey are in bed by 9PM. In the summer, they have been staying awake until 11:30PM some nights! So, this is going to be a huge adjustment the first few weeks.
Another thing that will be a big adjustment for them is reducing their screen time. I’m going to admit I don’t really monitor how much time they spend on the computer or tablets during the summer. Limiting their screen time before bed is proven to help them get a better nights sleep. An hour before bed, have them get into their PJs, brush their teeth, and cozy up with a book. I’ve noticed whenever they read before bed, they become more sleepy.
I’ve spent almost 11 years being a mama now… I can promise this next tip is a MUST for our entire family. Make sure their room is dark, cool, and have some type of white noise maker! I swear by the white noise sounds – whether your baby is a newborn or 15. We use a basic fan in all of our rooms. It makes it cool and has the sounds to help them fall asleep. My parents always did this for me and I still can’t sleep without a fan.
The last tip that I’m sharing is using a sleep aid when needed. I recommend a natural product like Natrol Kid’s Melatonin Gummies. Obviously, speak with your pediatrician about the use of melatonin. However, melatonin is recommend by the Canadian Pediatric Society. Melatonin is suppose to be a short-term solution to sleep troubles and to re-establish healthy sleeping patterns. Sometimes the girls even ask to take it when they are feeling restless. Another great time to use melatonin is when going on vacation! I love to bring some with us when we travel because kids can have a hard time sleeping in new places.
These gummies are 100% drug free and non-habit forming. They are 1mg in strength (the adult dosage is 10mg). Natrol is the #1 melatonin brand in America, so they definitely known for being safe and effective! For more specific dosages or if your child is under the age of 4, please consult with your pediatrician.
Remember melatonin is just a short-term solution, not an every night thing. Since getting used to going to bed early is hard for these ten year olds, it’s a great option for us.
Now, lets talk about us parents for a second. Since the kids are on a summer schedule, so am I. I find myself not going to bed until past midnight most nights. The girls aren’t the only ones who have to wake up early when school starts!
Natrol also has melatonin gummies for adults! These gummies are 10mg and will help you fall asleep faster AND stay asleep longer. I love that they are non-GMO, gelatin free and vegetarian. If you know me, then you know I often have insomnia and struggle with staying asleep. I’ve tried them a couple nights already and boy do they work! Natrol Melatonin is a safe and effective option for the whole family!
If you want to learn more about Natrol products – CLICK HERE
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