Reset your child's bedtime

5 tips to shift from lazy summer nights to early school mornings

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Long summer nights, late mornings, and screen time galore-no wonder the return to early school mornings is an overwhelming task. “Even if you just stayed home, people tend to relax any of the rules they set for their families,” says developmental pediatrician Dr. Jack Herrin. “And when routines are broken-bedtimes, wake-ups, mealtimes-it becomes much harder to adjust again.”

Sleep is one of the most important habits to reset-not just for your child’s mood, but for their ability to learn, focus, and adjust to a full day of school. “Sleep plays a huge role in regulating a child’s attention, memory, and even emotional resilience,” he adds. “Getting them back into a rhythm before school starts helps prevent morning battles and sets the tone for the entire day.”

So how do we reintroduce healthy sleep habits? Dr. Herrin recommends starting at least 10 to 14 days before the first day of school-or even up to a month if possible. But it’s never too late to start the transition in easing kids back into earlier bedtimes.

1. Gradually shift bedtime