It’s been a long stretch of early wakings and late beddings in the Campbell home recently. For some reason bedtimes have been consistently pushed back and for other reasons the kiddos have been rising earlier than normal. This makes for grumpy kids, many bad interactions throughout the day, tired Mom, and not as fun days as they could be.

So last night I decided to institute a new office in the Campbell home. I created the Sleep Police Department, to which I assigned myself the role of Sheriff.

In the mornings, I would sit on the landing of our second floor with my laptop (usually I would be in my office when the kids start emerging from their rooms) and I would direct the morning traffic. If someone was awake before the designated hour, they would be allowed passage to the bathroom, but sent directly (and promptly) back to their bed where they would close their eyes for at least a little more body rest time. Then at the appropriate waking time, all would be allowed (and/or required) to start the day! (Our 10 year old is always still sleeping at the “appropriate” waking time.) 🙂

It pretty much worked! (On Day 1.)

The older baby woke first (per usual) and I got her warmed milk and she drank it in her bed for another ten to fifteen minutes of quiet. Then an older sister emerged sleepily from her room about half an hour before wake time. She knew the plan, so with a gentle reminder from the Sheriff, she did her business in the bathroom and headed quickly back to bed.

When wake time came, a couple of the earlier risers emerged from the closed doors with big smiles and the Sheriff then made the rounds to ensure that all were now awake and ready to start the day!

Fun! We’ll see if it actually helps improve sleep—and so, attitudes—throughout today and the rest of this new week.

The Sheriff will be back at his post again early tomorrow morning!