Children must get good quality sleep for their physical and mental well-being. Sometimes, children resist going to bed and struggle to fall asleep.
They can also be quite stubborn and find it challenging to wake up in the morning for school. These are common issues among children.
However, with patience, practice, and discipline, children can overcome these difficulties.
A consistent sleep routine is essential, ensuring they sleep on time, wake up on time, get ready, and leave for school on time. If children find it hard to wake up, it may or may not be due to behavioral issues or a lack of routine.
Why does my child have trouble waking up
There can be several reasons why your child may struggle to wake up in the morning.
- They might not be getting enough sleep.
- Their sleep schedule could be irregular.
- They could have sleep disorders like sleep apnea or insomnia.
- Their room might not be conducive to good sleep (too loud, too bright, etc.)
- They might be experiencing stress or anxiety.
Children need different amounts of sleep depending on their age. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, toddlers need 11-14 hours of sleep, while school-aged children need about 9-12 hours. Learn here! more about how many hours a kid should sleep.
Importance of a positive morning routine
Implementing a positive morning routine is a powerful tool in ensuring your child wakes up refreshed and ready for the day.
A routine will help your child know what’s happening and remember what they need to do. Having a structured morning can also ease stress and anxiety, leading to better sleep and easier mornings.
Find out what time should kids go to sleep to promote a healthy morning routine.
“A routine will help your child know what’s happening and remember what they need to do.”
💡Raising Children
Fun wake-up strategies
Rise and shine! Waking up your little one can be an adventure in itself. Discover eight delightful and creative ways to make mornings a joyous experience for your child.
From personalized morning songs to surprise breakfasts, these fun wake-up strategies are designed to add a sprinkle of magic to each morning.
1. The gentle wake-up massage
Start their day with a gentle tickle or massage. This loving touch can smoothly transition them from dreamland to reality.
2. Light up the day gradually
Like adults, children can find waking up in a dark room hard. Consider using sunrise alarm clocks or gradually increasing light bulbs to mimic the natural morning light.
3. Soothing sounds for sweet mornings
Who doesn't love waking up to the sound of their favorite song or gentle nature sounds? Experiment with various audio cues that make your child happy.
4. Wake up and shake it out!
Turn morning wake-ups into a dance party. This will wake them up and get their blood flowing and energy up for the day.
5. The great morning treasure hunt
Hide a small toy or note somewhere in their room for them to find when they wake up. This turns morning wake-ups into a fun activity and gives them something to look forward to.
- Explain hiding a small toy or note somewhere in the room for them to find.
- Mention using this to deliver a positive message or a small treat.
6. The silly walk challenge
Challenge your child to a 'silly walk' competition from their bedroom to the breakfast table. The sillier, the better!
7. Storytime at sunrise
Begin their day with a chapter of their favorite book or a new short story. This can stimulate their imagination and get them excited about the day ahead.
8. Stretch your way to a great day
Guide your child through a fun and easy morning stretch or yoga routine. This can help them shake off sleepiness and prepare their bodies and minds for the day ahead.
Waking up doesn't have to be a chore. With these fun and innovative strategies, your child might start looking forward to the mornings!
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Written By
Francisco Cornejo, a dynamic entrepreneur with a Masters in Communication from RMIT University in Australia, is the Co-Founder and CEO of Storybook. As a serial entrepreneur, he notably served as the Chief Marketing Officer at Honda Motors in Latin America, shaping the brand's regional presence. Passionate about family well-being and communication, Francisco leads Storybook in its mission to improve children's health globally, aiming to create positive impacts in both corporate and societal spheres.
Medically Reviewed by:
Dr. Lorena Koppel is a distinguished Child Clinical Psychologist based in Azuay, Ecuador, with over 26 years of experience at Monte Sinaí Hospital. She specializes in treating emotional disorders in children and adolescents, providing family counseling, and integrating theoretical and practical approaches in clinical psychology.
References
- Morning routine for school: tips. (n.d.). Raising Children Network. https://raisingchildren.net.au/school-age/school-learning/school-homework-tips/morning-routine-for-school
