An expert has revealed the exact date – within days – when parents need to take urgent action to prepare for their children’s return to school in the final weeks of summer. As families prepare for the end of the summer holidays, parents are advised to adjust their children’s sleep patterns in advance of the new school year. Research has shown that children aged between four and 11 tend to get less sleep during holidays compared to term time.
Sleep expert Tony Spencer from Spruce has shared the timeline parents should follow to ensure their children are well-rested and ready for the start of the new term. Spencer emphasises the importance of starting the transition early, suggesting that parents should begin adjusting their children’s sleep routines approximately two weeks before school starts. This means that for families in England and Wales, where schools typically reopen on September 4 or 5, adjustments should begin around August 21.
Northern Irish parents, whose schools reopen on September 1, should aim to start adjusting sleep routines around August 18. Spencer offers five key steps for parents to follow during this crucial two-week period. These steps include establishing a consistent pre-bedtime routine, maximising morning light exposure, gradually adjusting sleep and wake times, managing screen time effectively, and addressing back-to-school anxieties early.
Spencer stresses that starting these changes two weeks before school begins is vital as it allows for a smoother transition and reduces stress for both parents and children. Parents who may have missed the two-week mark can still benefit from implementing these strategies, with Spencer advising them to be prepared to make slightly larger adjustments each day to catch up.
By following these guidelines, parents can help ensure that their children have a smooth transition back to school and are well-rested for the challenges of the new term. Initiating these changes early can set the stage for a successful start to the academic year.