How to Enforce a Child's Bedtime Routine
Getting Enough Sleep Improves Children's Health
According to a growing body of research and CNN's September 14 report, Enforcing bedtimes improves kid’s health by Madison Park, getting kids’ to bed on time improves their health.
How though do parents ensure that their child gets to bed on time? Most parents are aware that getting enough sleep is important for their children, but they have a hard time keeping them in bed. Kids are inventive and if they’re not dying of thirst or needing a drink, they may decide they suddenly have a bellyache.
Stick to a Routine
This is so important because having a fluctuating bedtime just messes with a child’s circadian cycle. Not only that, but if the television is still blasting or homework isn’t finished until later, it’s hard to unwind.
If children are school aged, remind them to do their homework earlier, so they’re not scrambling around at the last minute. To speed homework up, keep the television off and use the internet for research only.
Consider turning the television off an hour before bedtime. This gives everyone time to get a routine going that might include: brushing their teeth, hugs, having a bath, getting a drink, having a snack or reading a book to unwind.
Give Children an Advance Bedtime Warning
Remind children that it will be bedtime soon, at least a half an hour in advance. This way they won’t be surprised and won’t have an excuse like they didn’t have a chance to have a snack.
This simple suggestion makes a difference and even older children appreciate a heads up that bedtime is approaching. They might not show it, but they’ll have more of a fit if it’s sprung upon them at the last minute when they’re in the middle of something.
Say No to Bedtime Distractions
It's important for parents to let children know they mean business by enforcing their bedtime strictly. Since children have had enough time to go to the bathroom and get their pajamas on, there should be no reason to get back out of bed. If they’re seriously sick, then obviously that’s an exception. Children may then need medication or simply to be comforted.
How Much Sleep Do Children Need?
Like adults, children vary in the amount of sleep they need but according to the National Sleep Foundation, 1 to 3 year olds need 12 to 14 hours, 3 to 5 year olds need 11 to 13 and 5 to 12 year olds need 10 to 11.
Because most children won’t admit to being tired, there’s no point in letting them choose when to go to bed. Even teenagers need more sleep than adults do, and their mood swings can be hard enough to deal with when they’ve had proper sleep. Kids aren't always happy about going to bed, but it's up to parents to do what's best for their child's mental, physical and emotional health.
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