Well, the first week of school is almost over. We have successfully navigated 4 kids through 3 schools and managed to have a good week despite kids getting lost on campus (very lost), no 2nd period class (finally filled), jamming lockers and very long lunch lines.
The only child really cranky this week was the little one...Megan. She is in 2nd grade and still needs more sleep than the older ones. BUT of course, she doesn't think so. It is SO hard to get her in bed when she needs to be because she is afraid she is missing something fun! She has been a bit whiny and cranky about this whole situation.
I've never been one to attempt to 'make' my kids go to sleep. I realize that is not really possible. When they became good readers (generally age 7-8) we have encouraged them to read at night by a dim lamp until they are ready to go to sleep. This has worked great with K and E (now age 10 and 11). We tell them to go to bed by around 8:30, sometimes 9, and then they read. As long as they are quiet and in bed reading, they will fall asleep when ready and we have some quiet adult time.
They also are required to wake themselves up in the morning via alarm clock. If they can't get up alone, they must be too sleepy and therefore must need to go to bed earlier and we will then be forced to enforce a lights out time. This system has worked great...except for M (age 7). She just wants to stay up! Those youngest kids get away with so much more because Mom and Dad are just tired and I think we don't realize what they are capable of handling because they always seem so young compared to the older ones.
Last thought for today....I am impressed with how well Alena has fit into this system. She is one who also likes to read at night and has done a great job of getting herself up and ready in the morning. No reminders from us needed....now, we'll see if that continues next week when she has to be at the pool for swim team by 6:15 a.m.
All in all, a great 1st week. Now, if we could just have a cold front blow in......
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