Back-to-school in Dubai? 7 fun ways to wake kids up in the morning without loud alarms and drama

School mornings are a real battlefield. My own mother would switch on the lights, and would say, “We’re getting late! It’s already 6:45,” when it was just 6:00 am.

But the trick worked. I woke up instantly and ran to get ready, thinking that I would miss the bus. And invariably, we would be at the bus stop far ahead of time.

A few things are as sharper than a real alarm clock, and that would be your mum.

Nevertheless, it doesn’t have to always be so tough. Don’t try waking them up by yanking blankets or banging on doors, unless you want a really crabby and sulky child in the morning.  

 So, how do you make it easier? After conversations with specialists, we have listed down a few helpful suggestions for you.

Natural light is always a winner. The sunlight regulates the body’s internal clock, helping children feel more alert and cheerful. Open the blinds or try a smart bulb that mimics sunrise. Just a few minutes of morning light can suppress melatonin and boost serotonin – the ‘happy hormone.'

Morning light exposure improves mood, energy levels and sleep quality by strengthening the circadian rhythm, as Dubai-based sleep specialist Julie Mallon had earlier explained to use. When you wake up and feel the sunlight, your body realises it’s time to be awake. This helps suppress the production of melatonin, the hormone for regulating sleep, and boosts your energy levels naturally.

Don’t try the shrill alarms. Dubai-based clinical psychologist Lavina Ahuja had told us: Waking up to a blaring alarm while you’re in deep sleep is tough on the brain. It leaves you groggy, disoriented, and can even affect your memory and focus. Hitting snooze over and over only makes it worse. Try to keep alarms to a minimum, and if you can, switch your tone to something gentle, soft music, birds chirping, or nature-inspired sounds can wake you up in a much calmer, happier way.

Research shows melodic sounds reduce grogginess. Play cheerful tunes, gentle instrumentals, or even bird sounds. The right music makes mornings feel less like a drill and more like a dance party.

Dubai homemaker Deepthi Menon uses a cotton ball with citrus or peppermint oil near a window to lift the mood. Pleasant smells can trigger positive memories and help children feel more awake. Perhaps, a touch of lavender, or even the smell of breakfast.

When you take in a lovely scent, those tiny smell molecules zip through your nose and attach to receptors in your olfactory system. From there, they send little messages straight to your brain, especially the limbic system, which handles emotions, memories, and getting you alert. Scents like lavender or zesty citrus actually help wake you up and sharpen your focus, making it much easier to shake off that morning grogginess.

Blanket-ripping, shouting, or clanging kitchenware? Skip it. Loud or sudden wake-ups trigger adrenaline, raising heart rates and causing irritability. Instead, gently nudge or softly call their name.

For younger children, a cosy wake-up routine, a favourite blanket, a cuddle, or a warm drink – can make leaving bed less painful. Associating mornings with comfort instead of chaos helps reduce resistance.

Experts warn that late-night scrolling keeps kids alert and delays sleep. A dark, screen-free room helps them fall asleep faster and wake up more refreshed, sometimes without any alarm at all.

Pairing scents with soft music – like peppermint and a playful tune – can create a multisensory wake-up that feels calm and energising.

This one’s key: No wake-up trick works if children are sleep-deprived. Nothing like early bedtimes and a consistent routine. A well-rested child is far easier to wake – sometimes naturally, without alarms.