The Detroit News tells how to make it a wonderful morning when waking up tweens.
Christina Frank writes (excerpt):
* Watch the clock. A regular bedtime is still important, despite after-school activities and time-consuming homework: It cues the body that it’s time for sleep.
* Flip the switch. Don’t let her watch television or play computer games for at least 30 minutes before bedtime or physically exert herself for at least an hour before she goes to sleep. Have her read or listen to quiet music for a few minutes before she hits the hay.
* Let the sunshine in. Put up the shades to allow light into your child’s room before you wake her up. (And make sure it’s dark when she’s sleeping.) This will keep her biological clock in sync with regular day and night hours.
* Limit weekend shuteye. Letting your tween sleep in on Saturday and Sunday will make it tougher for her to get up during the week. Try to keep to your weekday schedule; she shouldn’t snooze more than two hours later than normal.
* Be gentle. Yelling and threats will only make your child less cooperative. Instead, try offering her a cup of juice or rubbing her back. Ask questions to get her talking. Before you know it, she’ll be looking forward to the start of a brand-new day.