How to Reset Your Child's Sleep Schedule Before School

(Texas) Texas students will soon head back to school, making now the ideal time to reset sleep schedules and bedtime routines. Experts recommend gradually shifting bedtimes and wake-up times one to two weeks before classes begin to help children adjust and make the transition to the new school year easier.

Why You Should Start Adjusting Bedtimes Now

Now that the summer ritual of sleeping in until 10 a.m. or even noon is coming to an end. A blaring alarm clock will soon awaken those late morning risers at 6:45 a.m. or earlier. Sleeping in has been nice for students, but the 2026-27 school year is about to begin across Texas.

Kids of all ages have been used to sleeping in, and now it's time for parents to re-establish the morning routine so they can get the kids up and to school on time. It definitely takes kids some time to readjust to a school schedule, and waking up earlier is going to take some getting used to. However, now is the time to begin adjustments.

Get our free mobile app

Expert Tips for Resetting a Child's Sleep Schedule

I've lived through the battle of the back-to-school routine. A battle to go to bed. A battle to wake up, get dressed, fed, and out the door. Experts recommend that parents begin altering sleep routines a week or two before school starts. Start by going to bed 15 to 30 minutes earlier each night. Be consistent and begin waking your kids up at the same time during the adjustment period. Doing so will have them, hopefully, adjusted to the school schedule when classes begin.

Bedtime Habits That Help Kids Sleep Better

It's not just sleep you're adjusting, but the activities and snacks they're eating right before bedtime. It's recommended that children not eat heavy meals before bed. Avoid TV and screen time right before bed. Help children relax with a warm bath or shower, reading a book, or another calming bedtime routine.

How Much Sleep Do Children Need?

All children are different and the amount of sleep they require changes over time. How much sleep a child needs depends on their age. Preschoolers do better with 13 hours of sleep. Elementary and tweens should get between 9 and 12 hours of sleep. Teens generally need 8 to 10 hours of sleep each night.

If you have a teen, you know sometimes they'll need more than those 10 hours! You know your child best. You can adjust these tactics and recommended sleep times based upon your child.