Sleep For Kids

Many experts recommend children from the ages of 5 to 12 to obtain 10 to 11 hours of sleep a night. However, the average child sleeps 8 to 10 hours per night. Obviously some children require less while others require more sleep than others. It’s important to note – well rested children tend to do better in school.

Many children have difficulty falling asleep due to electronics. Playing video or computer games, watching television or texting friends can keep a child up at night; try to switch these activities with ones that make your child sleepy, e.g., read a book.

Good Sleep Habits for Kids

Help your child establish good sleep habits so they are in a good mood and not cranky the next day! Here are some good tips for establishing good sleep habits.

• Get into a routine. Whenever possible, go to bed and wake up at the same time every day. I realize it’s fun to stay up late on weekends and sleep in but try to minimize this behavior especially if it results in a cranky child

• Relax before bed time. That means NO electronics before bed. They also recommend not eating, exercising, reading scary books or watching scary movies (I like to state the obvious).

• Create a cozy environment. My husband and I prefer to sleep in a cold dungeon with our down comforter. Whereas, our children prefer to sleep with our dog and their favorite blankets. If you do not have a pet, use a stuffed animal or doll.

• Create a safe environment. Both of our children prefer a night-light or their lights on dim as well as their door slightly ajar. Must husband prefers our bedroom doors shut but I need one slightly open so I can hear my children.

Source:

• The American Academy of Pediatrics, Caring for School-Age Children (2004), New York, New York: Bantam Book

• An, Vicky. (2010, October) Get Some Sleep! Time for Kids, 4-5.