This post is sponsored by NATROL, but the content and opinions expressed here are my own. 

How to Transition Into a Back to School Sleep Schedule for the Entire Family 

During the summer, all bedtime rules pretty much go out the window for my family. I become the most easy going mom and my kids love that. I allow them to gradually fall asleep when they want, even if this means that their bedtime turns into nearly midnight vs a 9:30 pm bedtime during the school year. As a result, the entire summer my children have mostly slept in, and I enjoy a couple of hours of a quiet house first thing in the morning. I know most of you have also seen that my oldest son took his first international trip to Ghana, and recently I went to Los Angeles. Those time changes from travel also make it hard for us to adjust and get the best rest when we’re back home. Now that we’re in the last weeks of summer vacation and transitioning back into our school routine, everyone has to change their bedtimes significantly! 

I like to make bedtime changes before the school year starts, and I know many of you may already be into the new school year with your children. That’s okay! If you’re struggling to find a good routine, I’m here to share some tips to help! 

Useful Tips for the Family:  

Keep Busy – Having an active day ensures that by evening everyone will be exhausted and ready for bed. I used to use the term “wear my kids out before bedtime” and this is exactly what I did. We would play hard in the park, run around, and basically get exhausted. Now that my children are older, we do this with daily family walks, exercise, and they make sure their chores are done before bed. Having an active day is a great way to be sure that everyone is actually tired when it’s time to sleep. 

Go Screen-Free – Before bed, make sure devices are shut down and put away. The longer you or your children stare at screens, the more difficult it will be to get settled for sleep. I know this is difficult for a lot of adults, especially me since I spend a lot of time online, but the less I use my phone before bed, the easier it is for me to fall asleep. 

Consistent Bed-Time Routine – Routines are very important! No matter the age, kids need a good consistent bedtime routine. Now my kids know the drill and they will take their baths, brush their teeth, and put their PJ’s on before I can say anything. Of course younger children will need to be guided, but as they get older they can do it more independently because it’s been a consistent practice since they were young. Even as an adult I’ve created a night time self-care routine that is a perfect way for moms to get their minds right before bed. 

Listen to Sleep Stories/Meditation – Sleep stories and meditation are my favorite ways to wind down before bed. There are multiple apps out there, but one of my favorites is Calm. It has sleep stories and meditations for both children and adults. Sleep Stories and nighttime meditation are guided in a soothing voice that helps you to relax before you drift off to sleep. My children love sleep stories. 

Take Natrol Melatonin – I occasionally take Natrol Melatonin for myself and now they make Natrol Kids Melatonin! 

Natrol Kids Melatonin is a drug-free solution that can help with occasional sleeplessness for little one ages four and up†. 

Melatonin is pediatrician-recommended* and Natrol has recently launched a gentle Kids Melatonin product to help safely promote sleep in kids ages four and up. Natrol Kids Melatonin in two forms that are kid-friendly Fast Dissolve Tablets and Gummies in 1mg strength. Each is non-GMO, vegetarian, free of artificial colors and flavors, sweeteners, and preservatives. Melatonin is not habit-forming and it’s 100% drug-free. Natrol Melatonin Gummies are also gelatin free, I know that’s a plus for many of my readers. I also occasionally take Natrol Melatonin for myself when I need to get my sleep back on track and I will be doing so to get back into our back to school routine. 

You can find Natrol Melatonin and new Natrol Kids Melatonin nationwide at your local grocer, specialty health food stores, and online. For more sleep tips for your family check out Dr. Tanya Altmann’s  website.

Are you and your kids ready for back to school?! Do you have a good sleep routine in place?

†These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any diseases.
*Recommended by the Canadian Pediatric Society