There are way too many things to take for granted in life, but trust me; sleep is not one of them. Your physical and mental health depends on adequate sleep. When it comes to kids, this goes a notch higher. Just as you live by the “early to bed, early to rise” mantra, so do they. It’s important for children to have an established sleep routine.
Research has shown that children who struggle to wake up are likely to have behavioral issues; a lack of routine leads to chaotic moments. It therefore goes without saying that after figuring out how to put a baby to sleep, the next task is to devise a waking-up strategy. Many believe mornings are a bit easier than evenings; I can’t deny that either, but then how easy is easy?
A gentle shake is never going to get this done. A toddler’s readiness and willingness to tackle the day with a positive attitude depend heavily on how they wake up in the morning, which also influences their mental and physical growth.
How to wake up a child is actually an important process to really consider, and we at Elimuzazi have you covered. Let’s get through this:
First, it’s a no-brainer that a well-rested parent is the best possible alarm and morning motivation any child needs. According to Dr. Roseanne Lesack, director of the child psychology clinic at Nova Southeastern University, parents should consider waking up ahead of the kids to get the morning preparations done before waking them up. These should include setting the mood right; no child wants a grumpy mother for a good start to the day.
When it’s time to wake up the kids, consider doing this:
- Understand that kids are different and hence react differently; some kids are night owls while others are early birds. It’s important to observe and understand your child. Always end screen and play time early enough for night owls and ensure they are asleep on time because the morning routine may need to start a little earlier to allow enough waking up time.
- Apply the same old mechanism—”a good rest equals a happy baby”—to ensure the child gets enough and good-quality sleep. Limit noise after their bedtime, switch off lights in their rooms, separate snoring siblings, adjust the room temperature, invest in warm bedding, and observe a rich diet before bedtime. Insist on no caffeine or sugar in the evenings.
- To wake up the child, you don’t need to yell, scream, or shout out their names; instead, sit by the bedside, hold their hands, and softly call out their names. Speak positive words to them like “good morning, princess, I love you, how was your night?” Engage the child in a light, no-brainer conversation as they slowly come to life. This would also help them start their day on a happy and positive note.
- You can as well play soft music in the morning, something they love listening to or singing along to. Do this while holding their hands and try singing alone; they will soon join in. This is a great brain jogger and mood booster.
- Create and maintain a routine bedtime and wake-up time. Keep this running daily, including weekends; their bodies will soon adjust to it. Incorporate a simple checklist for them to follow every morning; it will help them feel somehow responsible and look up to it.
- Withdraw their comfort when it’s time to wake up; let’s say increase the room temperature, play slightly loud music, switch on the lights, or simply take off their blankets. They will automatically notice the change and wake up.
- Put a reward on it; this doesn’t necessarily mean you give them gifts. You can allow them to have their way with something they would love. Kids enjoy being given a little bit of responsibility. Promise to let them make their beds, wash their cups when they return from school, or walk the dog. Anything that would interest them enough to want to do it.
- Once in a while, allow them to face the natural consequences of being up late. Let them miss a school bus ride, miss a fun activity at school, get extra homework, or be grounded for a bit. This will create a tense atmosphere, and they wouldn’t want a repeat.
- Have a fun morning routine that you do together; they will look forward to waking up for it every day.
The transition to an easy wake-up starts with a good night’s sleep. Kids need to sleep longer hours than adults; kids who lack enough sleep require extreme stimulation and persuasion to wake up. They develop behavioral abnormalities such as excessive grumpiness, aggression, and emotionalism.
Shouting and yelling at a child may wake them up physically, but it will also ruin them mentally. You don’t need to push them up or carry them off the bed while they’re still asleep. All you need to do is hold their hand and talk them into waking up mentally, and the rest will follow.
If you want a happy and mentally stable child, allow them to wake up naturally, not forcefully.
We are Elimuzazi, your trusted parental partner.