Getting Kids Back in the School Routine

Now that it is the back to school season, I find that it is very important to get children used to that routine after a lazy summer.
Last year, during a half term holiday, we let Defne stay up late and once the schools started, she had so much difficulty going to bed early. She wouldn't fall asleep until around ten o'clock which was just too late.
So this year, I made a plan: Two weeks before the school started, I have started putting the kids to bed about 10-15 minutes earlier each day. They now sleep around eight o'clock and I am happy that we made a smooth switch this time around.
In my opinion,keeping their bedroom organized and free of clutter also helps. Therefore we have tidied their bedroom together, organized the bookshelves and the toys.
Airing out the rooms is incredibly important as well. I once read that if there is one thing you want to do to improve your and your children's health, this should be it. Opening the windows lets in new air to dilute the pollutants and bring in fresh supplies of oxygen. So I always do this, even for five minutes on the coldest days.
Research shows that the right mattress is important to sleep well and feel rested. We use memory foam mattresses that improve your sleep and we are very happy with our choice. A friend of mine swears by the comfy Silentnight mattresses.
We eat our dinner together as a family around 6.30pm, then we just chat or play with the children. We try not to encourage very stimulating games or activities at this time of the day. Then it is time to brush their teeth, get changed and have a bedtime story.
Do you have any tips to share for getting kids back in the school routine? I would love to hear from you.
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