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AFTER A SUMMER FILLED WITH LATE NIGHTS and lazy mornings, getting the kids to bed without a fight seems like a long shot. Since it’s next to impossible to win the bedtime battle overnight, start making changes to their routine at least a couple of weeks before school starts. Follow these tips from the National Sleep Foundation to help them return to their school year shut-eye routine:
• About two weeks before the first day, put the kids to bed and wake them a bit earlier each morning.
• Try to stick with the schedule (we know it’s hard!), even on weekends.
• Relax with a bath or shower and story or reading time before bed. Turn off the TV, iPad and video games at least a half-hour before they go to sleep.
• Keep her room dark and make sure the temperature’s not too hot or cold.
• Avoid heavy meals right before bed.