A survey of 1,000 parents of 4-12 year olds found that one in five only start thinking about reintroducing structure in the final days of the summer holidays.
Nine out of 10 parents reckon that resetting the bedtime routine after summer is the toughest task, according to a recent study.
The survey, which involved 1,000 parents of children aged four to 12, found that nearly half say their child resists an earlier bedtime, while over a third grapple with excessive screen time before bed.
Other challenges include later summer bedtimes becoming the norm and parents also falling out of their usual sleep routine. However, many are clueless about what constitutes a ‘good’ bedtime routine, and one in five only start thinking about 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-build 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. “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.”
The research also revealed that 48 per cent depend on fixed bedtimes to establish positive sleeping habits, whilst 43 per cent strive to read before bed. However, on average, youngsters retire more than an hour later during the summer holidays compared to term-time.
Over six in 10 reported that their children’s capacity to focus at school is affected by their bedtime rituals. Meanwhile, 53 per cent believe it has an overall influence on their development.
It also showed nine in ten parents see bedtime routines equally important for them as they are for their children.
A quarter 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.”