Creative Parenting
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Parent and Child coaching, https://beacons.ai/tarafrieden Creative Parenting was founded by Tara Frieden in August 2013.
Tara Frieden graduated from Purdue University with degrees in Early Childhood Education & Intervention and Psychology. Tara works as an early childhood education and behavioral specialist with the First Steps early intervention program. She lives in Fishers with her husband Keith and two sons.
07/26/2026
The Bedtime Reset: How to Get Your Kids Back on Schedule Before School Starts
If you’ve ever traveled across time zones or dealt with the twice-a-year daylight savings switch, you know how rough it is on your body to lose or gain even one hour. You feel groggy, off, maybe a little cranky for days until your internal clock catches up.
Now imagine that same disruption for a kid — except summer bedtimes usually drift a lot more than one hour.
That’s exactly why the transition back to a school-year schedule needs to start now, not the night before the first day.
Why It Takes Longer Than You Think
Studies show it can take a child’s body about two weeks to fully adjust to a new sleep schedule. That’s because our internal clocks — the circadian rhythm — don’t reset instantly. They shift gradually, the same way jet lag doesn’t disappear overnight.
If you wait until the weekend before school starts to suddenly move bedtime up by an hour or more, you’re setting your child up for a rough first week: overtired mornings, meltdowns, trouble focusing in class, and a grumpy household all around.
The 15-Minute Rule
The easiest way to make the shift without a fight? Small, steady steps.
• Move bedtime 15 minutes earlier
• Move wake time 15 minutes earlier
• Repeat every 2–3 days
• Keep going until you land on the bedtime and wake time your child needs for school
This gradual approach lets their body clock catch up naturally, instead of forcing a hard reset that leaves everyone exhausted and fighting over lights-out.
Don’t Forget the Weekends
Here’s the part a lot of parents skip: consistency matters on weekends too.
It’s tempting to let kids sleep in or stay up late once Friday hits, but research shows that sticking closely to the same sleep and wake times all seven days makes the adjustment period smoother and helps it stick. A couple of late nights and lazy mornings on the weekend can undo days of progress and leave you starting the shift all over again come Monday.
The Bottom Line
Think of it like helping your child recover from jet lag before the trip even happens. Start early, shift gradually, and stay consistent — including weekends — and by the time that first school bell rings, your child’s body will already be right on schedule.
A little planning now saves a lot of tears (yours and theirs) later.
07/18/2026
I am always rendered speechless when I hear of a teacher or a child care giver that insists that the child with ADHD or challenging behaviors have to “be good“ for a certain amount of time before they are allowed to have the recommendations that they need to meet the classroom expectations. If we know those accommodations or those fidgets help the child meet the expectations why are we requiring that they meet the expectations without the accommodations before we let them have the accommodations?? Make it make sense.
Watch bands so good they keep disappearing 👀 I’ve restocked my cart on these Solace bands more times than I’ll admit — the quality, the colors, the way they just elevate a basic watch face instantly. They sell out FAST every single time, so if you’ve been eyeing one (or five), grab them now while they’re in stock. Link in bio to shop before they’re gone again! 🤍
One of the simplest changes I ever made was creating visual schedules. Instead of constantly reminding my kids what to do next, they could see the routine for themselves.
The result? Less nagging, fewer power struggles, more independence, and much calmer mornings for everyone. As an early childhood educator, I've seen firsthand how much children benefit from knowing exactly what comes next.
I'm creating printable visual schedules you can download for your own family!
Comment "chart" and I'll send you the link as soon as it's available. 💛
That’s one reason I love these watch bands. They’re breathable, stretchy, washable, lightweight, and made without forever chemicals.
I wear my watch every single day, so comfort matters, and these are so much more comfortable than many traditional bands. Plus, they come in a variety of colors and styles, making it easy to find one that fits your personality and wardrobe.
If you’re looking for a comfortable everyday watch band upgrade, these are definitely worth checking out.
Don’t worry—it’s not what you think! I’m breaking up with my old silicone watch bands and upgrading my collection.
I love that these bands offer options for every style. The Solace Band is made without forever chemicals, the fabric bands are washable (which is a huge win), and they even have classic styles that look polished enough for work, date nights, or everyday wear.
If you’re ready to give your watch a little refresh, check out the link and pick your favorite style!
If your toddler is snatching everything in sight — from YOU, from other kids, from literally anyone — here’s what’s actually helping 🙌
First, check yourself 👀 Are you grabbing things from your child or are you asking for it and waiting for them to hand it over? They copy everything we do, so we have to model it first.
Second — when you want them to give you something, say “put it in my hand” and hold your hand out. If you just assume they’ll hand it over nicely there’s a good chance it’s coming at your face 😂
And third — practice NOT giving your child everything they ask for, especially during play. If you’re building with blocks together, keep some of yours. “No, I’m using this one. These are mine. You can find another one.” That’s how they learn that not everything is theirs just because they want it.
It takes practice and consistency but it works 💛
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