There are so many movies that feature kids tossing their alarm clocks across the room in an attempt to avoid getting up for school. But what happens when this is your reality every morning? Trying to rouse unwilling teens to head to the bus is not a fun task for you or your kids. There are some steps to take that may ease the process. Here are a few to try at your house:
Make sure they're getting good sleep
One of the major reasons kids don't want to get out of bed is because they're tired. All those afterschool activities can add up to some sleep deprivation, so make sure your kids are going to bed at a decent hour. Because children and teens are still growing, they often need more sleep than adults. While you can get through the day with a mere 6 hours, kids can really benefit from 8-9 hours per night.
Start a routine
When your children were babies, people probably told you over and over about the importance of getting your infant into a routine. Eating and getting ready for bed at the same time every night can make it much easier for your kids to fall asleep at night. Getting up at the same time each day, including the weekend, can also reduce that school-day fight to wake up. The human body gets used to following a schedule, and soon your whole family will wake up at the same time.
Provide incentive
There is a great way to help your kiddos wake up in the morning. Provide a reward for waking up! That may mean setting the alarm clock to a fun song that gets everyone dancing! Or, create a yummy breakfast menu that will encourage your children to hop out of bed each morning. The smell of bacon and banana pancakes can rouse just about anyone from the deepest of sleeps.
Talk about their fears
Some kids don't want to get up because they are afraid to go to school. They may not be ready for a test that day, or perhaps there is a bully that has been bothering them. If your children frequently avoid getting up, talk about why they don't want to leave their beds. You may be surprised to learn they're not just lazy; they have genuine concerns you can help with. Knowing about upcoming tests can help you ensure your kids prepare. Talking about how to deal with the bullies can embolden your kids to take care of the situation themselves or talk to a teacher to resolve the situation.
Eat breakfast
You may roll out of bed, throw on clothes and head to work, but kids need breakfast. They require fuel to get through the day. Make sure you have some healthy foods on hand to keep them going during their studies. From whole wheat toast with peanut butter to yogurt and mixed fruit, breakfast is a key part in ensuring your kids are awake and learning for their first class of the day.
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