Is your child having a hard time
sleeping at night?
Are there monsters under the bed? In
the closet?
Does your child have many
extracurricular activities that keep them riled up all night?
According to the National Sleep
Foundation, “children ages 5 to 12 need 10 to 11 hours of sleep each night.”
When your child is fast asleep, it also allows you a haven of comfort and
joyful rest. You’ll feel refreshed and ready for the day’s festivities.
If your child isn’t getting enough
sleep, it’s important that you put them on a sleep schedule. Sleep schedules
have been known to help a child stick to a routine. According to WebMD, “there
is no one right routine for everyone, but in general, your routine should
include all the things that your child needs to do before going to sleep, like
brushing teeth, washing up, putting on PJs, and having a snack or drink of
water. Your child may want to be read to, talk about the day, or told a story.
Whatever you choose to do, keep the routine short (30 minutes or less, not
including a bath) and be firm about ending it when it's time to sleep.”
According to Parents.com, not getting
the recommended amount of sleep per day can lead to problems in school like:
- Attention problems
- Reduced cognitive functioning
- Dulled memory
- Hyperactive behavior
- Emotional outbursts
- Attendance issues
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some healthy right before
bedtime snack recommendations?
Healthy snacks before bedtime that we
recommend include cereal, fruit, graham crackers, string cheese. Try to avoid
large snacks as it can interfere with having to get up in the middle of the
night to use the bathroom.
What if my child refuses to go to sleep
at a scheduled time?
If your child refuses to go to sleep at
a scheduled time, stand firm and set limits. Be clear with your child on the
rules you set and stick to them.
Should I stick with a routine even on
the weekends?
If you don’t want your child to fall
out of a sleep schedule, then it’s better to stick to the schedule that you’ve
laid out. If you’re loosey goosy on the weekends, your child may think that
they can get away with going to bed later during school nights. Keep your eye
on the prize!
A sleep schedule that your child sticks
with in the long term will give you more “me time.” Can you imagine what you
could do in an extra hour of child-free time? You could read the novel you’ve
always wanted to finish, watch your recorded soap operas, wash your hair in
peace, etc. The possibilities are endless!
At Little Angels Preschool in Ypsilanti,
we’re dedicated to our students’ health and well-being. Do you know of a parent
looking for a quality daycare in Milan or the surrounding areas? Please encourage them to contact
us to schedule a tour of Little Angels Preschool & Daycare.
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