Nine out of 10 parents believe that resetting the bedtime routine after summer is the most challenging task, according to a recent study. The survey, which questioned 1,000 parents of children aged four to 12, discovered that nearly half say their child fights against an earlier bedtime, whilst over a third struggle with excessive screen time before bed.
Additional difficulties include later summer bedtimes becoming established as normal and parents also slipping out of their usual sleep routine. Nevertheless, many are uncertain about what makes a ‘good’ bedtime routine, and one in five only begin considering reintroducing structure in the final days of the summer holidays.
The study was commissioned by Pampers Ninjamas, which has launched a free downloadable ‘Reset the Routine’ evening activity chart co-created with child psychologist, Dr. Kimberley Bennett, to help families – especially those experiencing bedwetting – re-establish sustainable, stress-free habits.
Dr. Kimberley Bennett said: “Back-to-school season is always a time of transition for families, and it’s completely natural for children – and parents – to feel a little overwhelmed.”
“After a summer of relaxed bedtimes, returning to early mornings and structured evenings can feel like a shock to the system. It’s easy to underestimate how regulating routine can be,” she added.
“When it comes to bedwetting, a calm, predictable evening can make all the difference in helping children feel confident and in control. Although it’s rarely talked about, it’s more common than many parents realise, and it’s nothing to be embarrassed about.”
On average, youngsters go to sleep more than an hour later during the summer holidays compared to term-time. As a result, 48 per cent rely on consistent bedtimes to establish healthy sleeping patterns, whilst 43 per cent endeavour to read before bed.
More than six in 10 reported that their children’s ability to concentrate at school is impacted by their bedtime routines. Meanwhile, 53 per cent believe it has an overall influence on their development.
The findings also demonstrated nine in ten parents view bedtime routines as equally crucial for them as they are for their children.
Yi Chang, Pampers Ninjamas brand director, added: “We know that routines help children feel secure, especially during transitional times like the return to school, which can often have an impact on bedwetting.
“We know that periods of bedwetting are completely normal, particularly during the back-to-school period – and we want to reassure parents that we have product solutions and free resources to help families manage this.
“Whether it’s adjusting to a new classroom, navigating friendship changes, or coping with the emotional weight of a busy school week, these worries can show up in different ways – and for some children, that includes wet nights.”