Good sleep habits aren't just child's play!
Kid’s aren’t the only ones who need a bedtime routine – we do, too. When we model these behaviors, we get the benefits of healthy sleep while teaching our kids great habits for life.
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When school is back in session, many parents and grandparents breathe a sigh of relief. Gone are the summer days of balancing work with caring for children all day, every day. However, for the kids in our lives, this can mean long days of classes, homework, and activities without adequate time for rest. This creates sleep deprived kids. Did you know that the average teenager requires 8 to 10 hours of sleep per night, while the average school-age child needs as many as 12? However, it is estimated that 25 to 50 percent of children aren’t getting enough sleep. This can lead to behavior problems, difficulty in school, and even delays in brain development.
What can we do to help ensure that our kids get the sleep that they need?
Budget time for sleep
The most important thing we can do is to make sure that we are budgeting for the proper amount of sleep. Ensuring that our children not only have adequate time for rest but also have regular times for going to bed and waking up makes it easier for their bodies to regulate their sleep cycles.
Create a bedtime routine
Children also need time to unwind before bedtime. By scheduling 30 minutes to relax with a bath or a book, kids get in bed with less anxiety. This helps them fall asleep more easily and sleep more deeply. Prioritizing rest and building a bedtime routine are important ways we can help our kids make the most of this school year while feeling happier and healthier, turning sleep deprived kids into well rested ones.