Extra Sleep

Z, S and J (top bunk) stay in their beds every morning until we release them. They don't know any other way (and that's a good thing).  Z really doesn't have a choice (yet).

One thing we've implemented in our home is the "you're not allowed to get out of your bed in the morning until one of the parents comes into your room" rule.  

All 3 of our kids sleep in the same room at night, so it's tremendous fun to hear them fall asleep and wake up, talking or reading.  In the morning, they start their conversations, gently waking each other up.  Jeff and I love being able to leisurely wake up (on the weekends at least).  We don't worry about being trounced by 3 kids.  Sure, we still have bed snuggle time together, but it's after one of us goes to "release" the kids.  

On weekends, we've told the kids if they see a cup with cheerios at their door and it's after 7am, then it's okay to go out of their room and watch some cartoons (while Jeff and I catch some extra zzz's).  But they don't do this unless we clearly lay it out for them and discuss it the night before.  

Also,

• We don't put our kids to bed too early or wait too long to get them up.  This is key.  Being a prisoner in your bedroom is no fun.
• Kids can get out of bed to use the bathroom or get books.
• We make sure they have (lots of) books.

If you have any other tips for getting extra sleep in the AM with kids, let me know.