Getting 6 Yr Old up for School!

I agree that he probably needs more time to wake up in the morning and also suggest a 6:00 or so wake up time. He's probably just slow at waking up ( I can relate!). 7 to 6 should be enough sleep for him. That's what time my kids (4 and 2) go to bed and wake up. This would also give him time to get hungry if he gets ready first and eats last.
He might need naps on the weekend or a couple times a week too, if you can get him to do that. I know that school wears my daughter out and she occasionally needs a nap.

LOL! I just read this and was like "did I say I have a boy?" I will also check back on yours to see what they say to you as well! She can't go to bed any earlier than 7 really...can she? :)

Well, a few thoughts. When my son started first grade it was a shocker for him b/c he previously was in p.m. Kindergarten--not my choice--just the zone in which we live. He like to lounge around in the morning, play, wake up then eat. Then 1st grade started and he has to be at the bus stop at 8:15--culture shock! A few things helped. In the beginning--extra time. Missing breakfast completely a few times had an impact b/c he then realized he would get nothing til lunch period. Also--you could try pre-waking if it wouldn't interfere w/the baby. Just go in and turn on a small lamp about 15 mins before you wake him. It does help.
That is really early to be at a bus stop! 7:10? Can you drop him off later?
If he is still really tired in the a.m., then put him to bed as early as needed. I know a single mom (teacher) with an almost 5 yo and there are nights he is in bed at 6:30--b/c they are UP at 6:00 a.m!

I have a first grader and he gets up at 6:50am and we leave the house at 7:20am. He has to get up, get dressed, eat and brush his teeth. If he takes too long getting dressed and up I just send breakfast with him and let him it at at school. Can you maybe just get your son to eat breakfast at school instead? We put my son to bed at 8pm every night and he falls asleep right away.

I have a sleepy girl. She was one of the kindergartners who would still fall asleep at naptime after lunch. In Kinder her bedtime was 7:00 and she slept until 7:00am. She is now a junior and still goes to bed at about 9ish.

Do calm things at night. Now is not the time for lots of after school activites. In the morning make him a smoothie, that tends to brighten anybodies day. If you can swing it. I used to just keep the blender on the counter and use frozen fruit Sometimes it just got a hot rinse before the next drink was made.

If you are thinking he is needing more sleep then put him down by 7 make sure he has ate dinner bathed bedtime routine it's just earlier for him.I think he is going through a growth spurt my kids tend to sleep more when they go through these.Time he gets up is fine he has to be ready for the bus.He is still adjusting it takes time, talk to him about his day all kids are different he will bounce back.I hae used an alarm clock for my son since kindergarten I don't have to wake him he is an early riser sometimes i'll come down stairs to wake him but he is already dressed teeth brushed drank his juice ate his yogurt watching cartoons really i'm impressed how independent he is & has been all his 7 yrs of life.Funny you say that the more kids they do themselves is easier on you I feel the same way with love & guidance of course

Get that boy out of bed at 6:10. He needs time in the morning.
Put him to bed at 7:00. That's plenty of time for sleep.
He will have to adjust. You might find that he moves better in the morning with a little more time...
Give him a clock. Tell him that the clock says you need to get up at 6:10.
Set it and let him get himself up. Set his clothes out the night before. He is a big boy. He can do it. Give him some independence.
My children had clocks early. They always set them and got themselves up.
YMMV
LBC

It sounds like your son has had to adjust to a lot of changes. I am sure this is the root of everything. Personally 6:30 is way too early. 8 to 8:30 would be more reasonable. If you were to drive him to school would he be able to sleep a little longer and eat breakfast? I ended up driving my son to school versus the bus. This enabled him to get more sleep and really helped him out. Once he gets into the routine enough you should start to see improvement. And then down the road as he adjusts you can try the bus again. You want to see if you can car pool with someone else. My kids get picked up an hour before school starts. I would rather have them sleep more. It also helps there little bodies fight the germs they come in contact with at school and will keep them healthy.

Great suggestions so far! I would also recommend buying some light bulbs that simulate sunlight (more natural light) or get a light box. Get him up and put him under one. Nothing wakes us up more than the sun!

We're getting close to the shortest day of the year - afterwards, the days will get longer. I honestly can't blame him for not waking up right away - I don't want to get out of bed either when it's still dark out.

Good luck!