While I may not hold any formal titles like pediatrician or child psychologist, I am a mom of four who embraced the chaos of parenting later in life. I’ve learned that a solid seven hours of sleep can transform my ability to manage the daily whirlwind. Plus, I’m much less likely to forget that one of the kids is in time-out when well-rested. So, if you’re looking to catch some extra Z’s in the morning, here are my top five tips for getting your children to sleep in—no medications or screens involved.
1. Embrace Your Grumpy Side
When the clock strikes 5 a.m., it’s tough to feel cheerful. It’s perfectly fine to accept that the early morning is not your friend. If your little ones are up making noise, approach them with a sleepy, firm demeanor. Avoid fully opening your eyes and let them know that Mama needs her rest. A simple, “Shh! I need to sleep!” will work wonders. Show them that you’re not ready for morning until at least 7 a.m.
2. The Art of Bribery
Looking for an excuse to indulge in a treat? If your kids allow you to sleep in, reward yourself with a nice scoop of ice cream and offer them a small treat as well. Acknowledge their cooperation with a cheerful, “Thanks for letting me sleep in!” This creates a positive association between their behavior and your much-needed rest.
3. Create a Magical Morning Adventure
Before bedtime, set the stage for a fun-filled morning. Tell your kids there are special toys waiting for them to discover in the morning. After your late-night Netflix binge, lay out an assortment of toys—perhaps a castle, some action figures, or anything that sparks their imagination. Just make sure to remove any batteries from noisy toys. This way, they’ll be excited to play quietly while you catch a few more minutes of sleep.
4. Engage Them in Active Play
Make it a point to tire your children out during the day. Organize activities that get their energy flowing—a bike ride, a trip to the park, or even playing in the snow. Kids who have expended energy will be less likely to wake up early. They’ll appreciate the extra rest after a fun-filled day, and who knows, maybe one of them will thank you someday for their Olympic career!
5. Choose a Sleep-Friendly Partner
When selecting a life partner, consider someone who doesn’t have a penchant for sleeping in. Ideally, you want a spouse who appreciates the wisdom of the saying, “Early to bed, early to rise.” While this choice might not have worked out perfectly for me, it does offer the potential for a harmonious morning routine—assuming you can tolerate their chirpiness.
As you navigate parenting, remember that even though these moments may feel fleeting, they’re worth cherishing. Your kids will eventually grow up, and you’ll find yourself longing for those quiet mornings. So, if you can manage to keep the noise at bay until after 7 a.m. (or 8 a.m. on weekends), you’ll create sweeter memories to look back on.
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