My kids, 6 & 9, are awake at 9pm during the school holidays – but people warn me they’ll be a ‘nightmare in September’
THE summer holidays can be a stressful time for those with children, and one mum has shared her struggles with her six, four and one-year-old.
Sharing videos under the username @scarlett.sylvia, Scarlett asked viewers in a recent video what rules they had for when their kids hit the hay.
She said: “Mums, dads, grandparents, carers.
“What time are you putting your kids to bed during the six weeks holiday?
“I’ve got a six, a four and a one-year-old.
“The one-year-old goes to bed at seven, but the six and four-year-old, they’re still awake.”
She continued by saying she wasn’t sure how to handle them not sleeping, even though they were tucked up in bed already.
“Now they’re in bed, but it’s quarter to nine and they’re still awake.
“What’s the cut-off? What time do I go in there and be like, ‘Go sleep!’
“Am I being too strict? Am I being too lenient?” she asked. “What should I do?”
People flocked to the comments to share their experiences with children and bedtimes as well as offer advice.
“The same time as school night [rolling on the floor laughing emoji] I need my own peace and sanity,” penned one person.
Another agreed: “Honestly, when I can’t take it anymore it’s bedtime [rolling on the floor laughing emoji].”
“Same time really. We’re still in some kind of routine as I don’t want everything messed up in September.
“And I need some peace and quiet myself at the end of the day [laughing face emoji]. They usually go to bed around 8,” a third wrote.
“My oldest is 7 and goes to bed at 9/10 and 3-year-old 6,” another shared.
“I keep the school bedtime of 7.30 pm for my 6-year-old,” a fifth said.
However, others shared that bedtimes go out the window during the six-week holiday.
“When they go sleep. I don’t care on holidays,” one parent wrote.
Another said: “Normally time goes out the window, however, this holidays my kids go bed at 9 latest which is later than normal.
The best sleep routine and environment
Thomas Høegh Reisenhus, TEMPUR® sleep specialist & sleep counsellor, reveals the key components of a good bedtime routine and environment...
A sure-fire way to facilitate a better night’s sleep is to practice good sleep hygiene.
Establish a sleep routine that works for you and stick to it.
This will help your body establish a consistent, natural sleep-wake cycle which can do wonders for your overall sleep quality.
As such, try to avoid making up for lost sleep with a lie-in.
Instead of sleeping in, spend your morning reading a book in bed or having a leisurely coffee in the kitchen.
Ensure that your bedroom, bedding, and sleepwear are fit for purpose too.
The ideal sleep environment is dark, quiet, and cool – much like a cave.
If you find unwelcome sources of light are keeping you up, consider investing in an eye mask or black-out curtains.
Adding soft furnishings can be a great way to reduce noise, with the surfaces having an absorptive quality, but if this doesn’t work, consider embracing a soothing soundtrack to block it out.
In terms of temperature, try to keep your bedroom at 18°C. You can further reduce the risk of waking up due to overheating by ensuring that all your bedding and sleepwear is made with natural, breathable materials such as cotton and linen.
Bear in mind that everyone is different; what might work for most, may not work for you!
Whilst knowing how much sleep you should get, how to overcome common barriers, and practicing good sleep hygiene can facilitate a great night’s sleep, if you continue to struggle with sleep or fatigue persistently, do not hesitate to visit a doctor or health professional for support.
“However [it’s] still manageable for when they go back [to] normal bedtimes [at] 7.”
“Mine at 15 and 17 now, I don’t set a bedtime. They’re night owls!
“But when [they were] younger school days were lights out at 7.30 pm, and in holidays 9 pm, but every family is different. Good luck [purple heart emojis],” someone else commented.
“Let them fall asleep when they want it’s the holidays that’s what they for them not us [hearts around face emoji],” a fourth penned.
“Anytime they want [rolling on the floor laughing emoji],” a fifth said.