When your child needs to get up earlier again when the school year starts, or after Christmas break, it’s best to prepare the whole family in advance.

Try to re-establish bedtime routines a couple of weeks ahead of time, when possible. When is your child waking up? When do they need to wake up for school? Move their bedtime and wake time earlier by 15-30 minutes each day or few days, so the shift to an earlier bedtime is gradual.

Remember to try to keep your child’s wake-up time the same every day, including on weekends, so their bodies get into a natural sleep-wake rhythm.

You can watch this 1 minute video for tips from a pediatrician at SickKids Hospital.