Is this your typical morning "wake up kids" dialog?
"Well, aren't you on the ball today! Holy moley, you're dressed already. What a great kid." (smiles, whistling, high fives ensue) If it is, then read no further and congratulations.
Toddler Princess Bed
If it's more like this...
Time to wake up! Sweetie, get up... Get up, please. C'mon now, up, up, up. You're going to be late for school.... (5 minutes later) Don't make me come in there. Get...up...NOW.
Do you really need that? Every. Single. Morning. No one does. It's not only stressful on moms & dads, but consider how little miss cranky bottom's day goes when it starts with a yelling match.
Here are tips on how to wake up your heavy sleeper with less fuss:
Bedtime:
1. First, get them to bed at a decent hour so they get enough sleep. According to the National Sleep Foundation, 3 - 5 year olds need 11 to 13 hours per day, 5 - 12 year olds need 9 - 11 hours per day and after 12 years old we're looking at about 8 ½ to 9 ½ hours a day, although late teens require a little more, even if they aren't getting it.
2. There is always that bedtime/wake time adjustment when vacation hours turn to school hours. About a week before the big adjustment, start planning earlier morning activities that force them on track.
3. No matter how old your child is, get them into a consistent sleep schedule, even on weekends.
4. A bedtime routine is critical to good sleeping habits. Light snack, bath, PJs, brush teeth, read a story, make sure the room is quiet and comfortable, into bed, lights out, nighty night and you're out.
5. Make sure they know what time they are supposed to wake up. This helps them 'set' their natural alarm clock (circadian rhythm) to eventually wake up on their own, or at least start waking up closer to the appropriate time.
6. TV stays OFF at bedtime. They'll get a better night's sleep without the background noise. In fact (and I didn't know this until I found it on the National Sleep Foundation's site) even watching TV close to bedtime has been associated with bedtime resistance, difficulty falling asleep, sleep anxiety and sleeping fewer hours. They suggest keeping both the TV and the computer out of the bedroom completely.
7. Step them away from the Coke. Or anything else with caffeine in it.
Wake-up:
1. Make waking up fun! When they're little, put some pizazz in the morning routine. First turn on the light and, with a big smile, say, "Wake up, you silly goose!" or something equally endearing. Then, without waiting for a reaction, go directly into a made-up song, a goofy dance, a smothering of kisses or a gentle tickle. When their feet hit the floor, turn on their favorite music. If they are lollygaggers, then challenge them to a timed dressing session. Here's a good one... "If you're ready in xx minutes I'll let you pack your own lunch (or something else that needs doing, like laundry...kidding)". As every parent knows, bribery works too. Mix it up.
2. If you don't wake them yourself, the right alarm clock is KEY to getting off on the right foot. I recommend the Sonic Alert clocks that let them wake up to sounds, a shaking/vibrating bed, flashing lights or all three. For heavy sleepers, try the Sonic Bomb. There's even a heart shaped one called the Sonic Boom Sweetheart Alarm Clock for your little princess. There is something for everyone. I use the Sonic Shaker Portable Vibrating Travel Alarm at home and it gently vibrates my pillow when it's time to wake up. Perfect for those sensitive to noise.
3. No Snooze function is allowed. Never use it. Tape it up so it can't be used, whatever it takes. Snoozing just makes you more tired and grumpy.
4. If they tend to wake up and go right back to sleep, put the alarm clock on the other side of the room. They'll have to physically get out of bed to turn it off. Perhaps you put it on the bathroom counter, so they can start their day from there.
5. Let in the morning light. Don't make them wake up in a cave. It's tough when you're getting up before the sun comes up, but even a little bit of light helps.
Hopefully these tips can help you avoid the morning wake-up battles, and the whole family can get the day off to a great start.
See all of the Sonic Alert products to find the most suitable alarm clock.