Back to School: Getting Back Into A Routine

The air changes, the temperature drops, and there are whispers of an earlier bedtime. Somewhere, a pencil is being sharpened. Brace yourselves, it’s that time of year again—back-to-school time. In July and August, rules were out of the window – late lie-ins, sleepovers and fast food… aka fun. As soon as the new term starts, halcyon Summer days are over, replaced with days of lessons, homework and a structured routine.  

Why is back-to-school difficult?

It can be an unsettling time for both parents and children. For parents, back to school can mean an added financial pressure with the cost of new uniforms, books and trips on the horizon. It also means organising who is doing the school run, preparing dinner and helping with homework. And it’s not just the practical side of the new term, there’s an emotional toll – parents worry about their children learning in a safe and happy environment.

For children, the sense of the unknown can cause anxiety. If they’ve started at secondary school, there’s the possibility of new teachers, unfamiliar environments, managing friendships, and on top of that, the worry of academic excellence. Younger children starting school for the first time find it hard to be separated from their parents for long periods of time. All of this affects sleep. 

What can upset a routine?

Routine is good for children as it gives them a sense of security and stability, and it also reduces anxiety associated with the return to lessons. Having a routine builds good habits for them, meaning they can become more independent and start to manage their own day. The goal is that they set aside their own time for homework (hopefully).  

A routine also supports their emotional regulation, so no tantrums or tears before bedtime! In the school holidays, days are less structured than in term time, making it difficult to return to rules and discipline. Aspects that can upset a routine:

• Inconsistent bedtime and sleeping in late
  
• Travel – especially different time zones
  
• Unusual eating habits and mealtimes
  
• A busy social calendar
  

It’s inevitable that routines get disrupted during the break, as it’s time to have fun and relax, but the good news is that there are easy ways to get it back on track. 

How to get back into a routine before school starts?

Start to re-introduce a routine from one to two weeks before the big day. This makes the transition much easier for children. If you’ve done your homework, you may already know how to, but here are some tips to help you implement a structure:

• Bring bedtime back – set a time for bed, gradually making it 15-30 minutes earlier on the days before school starts. A tranquil environment will help them fall asleep quicker, as well as making sure they have their own bedroom. We suggest you tuck them up in bamboo bedding. Our Kids Bamboo Duvet is ideal for little ones’ sleep. Fluffy and lightweight, it’s also thermoregulating to keep them at the right temperature throughout the night. Supersoft and cosy, it’s also hypoallergenic, meaning it feels gentle against even the most sensitive skin.
  
• Have a visual planner in your kitchen with your day-to-day schedule - younger children like a simple chart to refer to. 
  
• Make mornings matter – wake up at the same time, get washed and dressed, even if you’ve got no plans.
  
• Build in activities such as reading or mindful projects so children get back into learning.
  
• Encourage children to be active during the day, so they sleep better at night.
  
• Don’t allow screentime too close to bedtime.
  

How can you maintain that routine?

As the saying goes, ‘fail to plan and plan to fail.’ Maintaining a routine takes perseverance, organisation and discipline. Plan the night before, rather than the morning of – this means the start of the day is less rushed and frantic.  

• Establish a sleep schedule – this means a winding-down time an hour before shut-eye, involving no screens. Stick to the same bedtime every night, even on weekends! On Saturdays and Sundays, bedtime should be no later than an hour on a school night.
  
• Build a better morning – give children time to wake up properly and have breakfast, so set the alarm at least an hour before they need to leave the house. Check homework has been done the evening before the school day, put packed lunchboxes and prepared bags by the door so there’s no last-minute searching for exercise or textbooks. 
  
• There’s a time and place for homework – it’s best to find a homework slot that’s not too close to bedtime. You also need to consider after-school clubs and factor in time for them to unwind after a day of lessons. Children should have a study space where they can concentrate and focus on their tasks. 
  
• Be flexible – if your routine slips, it’s not the end of the world, calmly reset the next day—consistency matters more than perfection.
  

Why sleep routines matter for school success

A tired child who hasn’t had sufficient sleep won’t want to get up. Coupled with first-day jitters, it will have a domino effect of a stressful morning, and the result will be an unproductive day for all of you. To avoid this all too familiar scenario, it’s important to build up a regular bedtime before the big day.

Studies on children’s sleep have concluded that a regular bedtime helps holistically, improving their health, development and social skills. Children need to develop good sleep hygiene, and it’s always a good idea to start them young! This means they’re less likely to have problems with their sleep as an adult.

Conclusion

September signals the end of Summer, but it doesn’t have to be a month to dread. Offering a chance of a fresh slate, the back-to-school routine provides a chance to bring out children’s productivity and creativity. The return to school also means reuniting with friends and engaging in hobbies they enjoy. With the change of seasons to autumn, it's the perfect time to adopt new habits. By being resilient through the tougher times of the year and establishing a routine, you'll set them up for success.

To prepare them for their best rest this year, our Panda Kids™collection includes breathable bamboo duvets, pillows and bedding sets, so they feel cocooned in softness at bedtime.

FAQ

1. Why is a bedtime routine important for school children?

A consistent bedtime helps children feel secure, reduces anxiety, and improves focus and mood during school hours.

2. How soon should I start preparing my child’s sleep schedule before school?

Ideally, start one to two weeks before term. Gradually move bedtime earlier so the transition feels natural.

3. What are the best tips for a smooth school morning?

Set out clothes and bags the night before, wake children at the same time daily, and allow enough time for breakfast and a gentle wake-up.

4. How much sleep do school-aged children need?

Most children aged 6–12 need 9–12 hours of sleep per night. Teens may need slightly less, but consistency is crucial.

5. Can bedding affect children’s sleep quality?

Yes. Breathable, hypoallergenic bedding like Panda’s bamboo duvets and pillows helps regulate temperature and provides comfort for better rest.