This is one area that many families skimp on.  I myself have found it hard to stick with a routine all the time, however consistency really is best!

Once school starts we try to have a set of guidelines (I hate calling them rules!)  One of them is having a consistent bedtime. 

Each family needs to determine how much sleep their child really needs.  For some kids, going to bed at 10:00 pm and getting up at 6:30 is no problem.  But as they get older, more sleep time is needed. 

Waking up early and eating a healthy breakfast is far more important than staying up late to watch tv or play computer games.

So many parents are rushed in the mornings, and stop for donuts on the way to school.  (I have been guilty of this!)  Then, the teachers have to deal with the sugar-load aftermath!  It’s not fair, and really not fair to the kids!

In the beginning, new routines are hard to adjust to.  But after a couple of weeks, kids do adjust and reap the benefits!

One thing I am going to try this school year, is earlier bedtimes!! For my 3rd grader, we have talked about an earlier bedtime of 8:00pm.  To get used to this, we will get ready for bed at that time, and I will allow her to read for about 15 minutes.  Hopefully we will see a more alert, and happier child in the mornings!

Wish us luck!