Sleep issues on a trip or retreat

It is generally accepted that later adolescent's circadian clock is off by about 4 hours from adult society's. We can accommodate, take advantage and help them deal with it.

• Don't call them on a day off from school until after Noon.
• Lock-ins and other late night activities are good and work easily – for them.
• On week long trips, plan on at least the last night for them to stay up to 2-3 in the morning.
• On a week end retreat, church camp or activity where there is flexibility, consider having activities that last until 2-3 am and then sleep until 10 am.
• Remember that middle schoolers are not self regulating and if they do not get enough sleep they'll get sick.
• At an event when you have to abide by society's schedule (have to be at a work site by 8am, for example) simply acknowledge the problem and that you are sympathetic, but everyone is going to have to lump it, go to bed at a reasonable time and get up early. There is no point in fighting over it.