Ah, summer. The sun is shining, the birds are chirping, and the kids are out of school. For busy parents, this can be a time of both excitement and dread. Excitement for all the fun summer activities you can do with your little ones, and dread for the inevitable sleep training that must take place.
Let’s start with the fun stuff. Summer is the perfect time to get outside and enjoy the great outdoors. From picnics in the park to trips to the beach, there’s no shortage of activities to keep your kids entertained. And let’s be real, as a parent, you deserve a break from the never-ending cycle of school drop-offs and pick-ups.
But here’s the thing about summer activities: they can be exhausting. And if your kids are anything like mine, they have an endless supply of energy that seems to be renewed every morning, no matter how late they went to bed the night before. That’s where sleep training comes in.
Now, I know what you’re thinking. Sleep training? In the summer? Are you crazy? But hear me out. Summer is actually the perfect time to get your kids on a healthy sleep schedule. With no school to worry about, you can afford to be a little more flexible with bedtime. Plus, a well-rested kid is a happy kid, and a happy kid means more time for fun summer activities (and maybe even a little bit of relaxation for you, too).
So, how do you go about sleep training your little ones? First things first: establish a routine. Kids thrive on routine, and having a set bedtime routine can help signal to their brains that it’s time to wind down for the night. Whether it’s reading a book, taking a bath, or just cuddling with a favorite stuffed animal, find a routine that works for your family and stick to it.
Next, set a consistent bedtime. Yes, I know, this can be tough in the summer when the days are long and the sun doesn’t set until late. But trust me, it’s worth it. A consistent bedtime can help regulate your child’s internal clock and make it easier for them to fall asleep at night. And if your kids are having too much fun to come inside, try investing in some blackout curtains or a white noise machine to help them drift off to sleep.
Finally, be patient. Sleep training takes time, and there will inevitably be some bumps along the way. But with a little bit of consistency and a lot of patience, you can help your kids get the rest they need to enjoy all the fun summer activities that lie ahead.
So, there you have it. Summer activities and sleep training may seem like two opposite ends of the spectrum, but with a little bit of planning and a whole lot of humor, you can have the best of both worlds. And who knows, maybe you’ll even have some time to enjoy a cold beverage on the porch while your little ones snooze peacefully inside. Happy summer, parents! As always, don’t hesitate to reach out to us for help getting your little ones to sleep, even when starting in the summer!
