Parenting tip
Why is sleep so important ?
No one starts the day off on the right foot unless they ’ ve had enough sleep ! Sleep is essential ; yet , according to the National Sleep Foundation , nearly 30 percent of children are not getting the right amount of sleep .
Sleep is especially important for children due to the impact it has on both mental and physical development . Sleep is the time for growth , energy to be restored , and important brain development .
Research shows that children who get more sleep :
• Get along with others better .
• Focus better .
• Experience fewer accidents .
• Get sick less frequently .
• Perform better in school .
How much sleep is enough ?
• Babies , Newborns to 1 year : 16 hours .
• Toddlers , 1 to 2 years : 11 to 14 hours .
• Preschoolers , 3 to 5 years : 10 to 13 hours .
• School-aged , 6 to 13 years : 9 to 11 hours .
• Adults : 7 to 9 hours .
No one starts the day off on the right foot unless they ’ ve had enough sleep ! But how much sleep is enough ? And why is it important ?
Tips for bedtime
• Have a predictable routine each night ( snack , teeth , toileting , pajamas , a book , song , story or back rub ).
• Bedtime should be at the same time seven days a week ( no more than an hour different on the weekends ).
• If a child ’ s bath excites him / her , avoid bathing at bedtime .
• Avoid having a TV or computer in the bedroom .
• Limit screen time ( TV , video games , computer ) to 30-60 minutes a day for young children . Do not allow screen time in the evening before bed .
• Take time to connect at bedtime . A calm child falls asleep more easily and stays asleep .
Finally , children pay more attention to what we do than what we say . If you make your own sleep a priority , you will set a good example for your child and , as a bonus , feel better yourself .