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Parents struggle to reset children's bedtime routine after summer holidays

Nine in ten parents say bedtime is the hardest routine to reset post-summer, with a third only starting to think about it in the last days of the holiday

[A boy sleeping alone in his parent's bed with his teddy bear.]

Children often go to bed an hour later during summer holidays(Image: Getty Images)

According to a recent survey, nine out of 10 parents say bedtime is the toughest routine to get back on track after the summer break, with children going to bed more than an hour later during the summer holidays than they do in term-time.

The survey of 1,000 parents with children aged four to 12 found that youngsters pushing back against earlier bedtimes and excessive screen time before sleep were amongst the primary obstacles. Additional factors included later summer bedtimes becoming the norm or even mums and dads being thrown off their usual sleep schedule.

One in 20 admit they are uncertain on what constitutes as a 'good' bedtime routine, whilst one in five only begin considering reintroducing structure during the final days of the summer break.

The study was commissioned by Pampers Ninjamas, which has created a complimentary downloadable 'Reset the Routine' evening activity chart, developed alongside child psychologist Dr Kimberley Bennett, to support families - particularly those dealing with bedwetting - in rebuilding sustainable, stress-free routines.

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. One of the biggest challenges is getting routines back on track, especially around sleep."

"After a summer of relaxed bedtimes, returning to early mornings and structured evenings can feel like a shock to the system," she added. "It's easy to underestimate how regulating routine can be."

"It helps children feel secure because they know what to expect. 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. When it comes to bedwetting, patience, reassurance, and practical support are key."

More than six in 10 reported that their children's ability to concentrate at school is influenced by their bedtime rituals.

Meanwhile, 53 per cent believe it has an overall influence on their development. Nine in ten parents also declared bedtime routines as equally important for them as they are for their children.

The study also uncovered that 23 per cent of mums and dads would welcome guidance around bedtime routines to help them handle bedwetting with confidence.

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."

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