Every child needs to have a set bedtime every night. This is for the betterment of the children and the peace of mind of their parents.
When children are regularly permitted to go to bed late or have no bedtime at all, the entire family suffers. These children are often tired and that reflects in their attitudes, behaviour and school work.
It is startling to find out how much sleep children actually need to be well rested. The following is a good guideline to follow to make sure your child receives adequate rest:
- Toddlers need around 12 to 14 hours of sleep.
- Pre-schoolers need between 11 to 13 hours.
- School-aged children (through to the age of 12) need around 10 to 11 hours of sleep.
Most children do not get these amounts of sleep during a 24-hour period.
The actual time that children go to bed can vary from 7pm to 10.30pm. There is no set rule as to what time is best for what age. If you notice that your child still seems tired or cranky during the day, then try moving the bedtime up. Likewise, if you put him down for bed and the child is just lying there, unable to sleep for long periods of time, then perhaps the bedtime needs to be later. The most important thing is that the child is well rested.
Adhering to a bedtime will benefit your children. If their behaviour is less than stellar the majority of the time, then this may be due to lack of sleep. Tired children are more prone to acting out. As a parent, this means dealing with more tantrums and disciplinary issues. In general, children’s conduct is better when they are well rested.
Getting enough sleep can also improve how they function in school.
It is extremely difficult for a disciplined adult to function well during the day when they are tired. How much more so is this for children? Lack of attention, poor test performance and falling asleep in class can often be traced back to poor sleeping habits.
Also, having children up at all hours of the night can put a strain on your marital relationship. Maybe you feel that between work and parenting there is not enough time leftover with your spouse. Putting the kids to bed at a reasonable time will create more occasions for closeness with your partner.
So, start a nighttime routine and be consistent with it. For example, have the child put on his pyjamas, wash his face, brush his teeth, read a quick bedtime story, say his prayers, kiss everyone in the house goodnight and then lie down. After a few nights, the child will know this means it is time to go to bed and will be less likely to protest.
Of course, setting a bedtime may prove to be easier than actually enforcing it. Your child may resent having this new boundary, especially if he is used to staying up as long as he wants. So do not be surprised if this new schedule is met with resistance. Just help the child adhere to bedtime rituals and, in a very short time, his body and attitude will adjust to the change.
q Information obtained from www.associatedcontent.com
