Help Kids From Being Grumpy in the Morning
Managing a family in a fast-paced modern environment can be challenging enough, but having to wake veritable beasts each morning when you rouse your children makes even the best of parents shake in their shoes. The problem compounds as your children age into their tween and teen years, mostly due to biological changes that are beyond their control. As you understand what drives this surly behavior, you can take appropriate measures to tackle those turbulent mornings.
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Matter of Biology
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Even though children require between eight to 10 hours of sleep each night -- according to the University of Florida -- they find themselves going to bed later as they get older because they simply aren't sleepy. When that alarm goes off in the morning, they are naturally cranky because their body still needs another hour or two of sleep. Rearrange the family's nighttime routine to provide less stimulation closer to bedtime by turning off things like the TV or computer at least a half-hour before your children need to get to sleep. Curb any caffeinated drinks throughout the evening that might interfere with their natural sleep schedules.
Be Prepared
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Create a routine the night before that will help streamline the morning process and cut back on the stress. Pack lunches, backpacks or go over scheduled activities when your child is in a milder, more relaxed mood. This allows your children to ease into the morning routine without the rush and chaos immediately upon waking. Set enough time aside for a nutritious breakfast to help stabilize their moods and better prepare them for the rest of the day.
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Set the Tone
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If you're frantic and unorganized in the morning, then you will not be emotionally equipped to handle your child's grumpy behavior. This compounds the problem. The calmer you are, the more you set the appropriate tone for your child. Set your alarm clock approximately a half hour before your children wake up so you can handle your morning regimen prior to waking them. Keep things positive, and involve your children in their own waking routine. For example, allow your kids to pick their alarm clock.
Be Consistent
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Like any routine, these morning rituals will get better with practice. Keep consistent even on the weekends when your children can technically sleep longer. According to "Parenting" magazine, there is really no such thing as making up on lost sleep, so allow an extra hour at most to avoid upsetting the delicate sleeping schedule you've worked so hard to create over the week. Most of all, don't take the grumpy mood personally. As long as your children maintain the proper level of respect, be patient as they get acclimated to these helpful routines.
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References
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