No doubt you’ve heard me say this before, but sleep is really the cornerstone of your child’s health. And unfortunately, kids (and teens in particular) don’t often get the amount they need. Over time this can add up to increased stress, anxiety, meltdowns, poor health, headaches, and a decline in their academic achievement.
Sleep is SO good for their minds and bodies.
2 things you can do today to support good sleep for your children:
#1: Put those electronics to bed. In another room, separate from your child’s bedroom. So many teens take their smartphones, iPhones, iPads to bed with them. They like to “unwind” by perusing Facebook or other social media sites. But…this is NOT relaxing. It’s stressful. And they stay up way later than they intended to with visions of peer pressure swirling in their heads.
Make it a household rule. No electronics (including TVs) in the bedrooms. They (the electronics) go to bed in another part of the house, getting all nice and charged for the next day, while everyone goes to bed.
Believe me, this makes a huge difference in the lives and sleep of our tweens and teens. It’s not punishment. It makes good sense and it’s a rule for everyone in your home, not just your kids.
#2: Start the bedtime routine 30-60 minutes earlier. You can do this tonight. An extra 30 minutes to an hour of sleep per night will make an incredible difference in the mood and function of your child the next day. We often miss the window of opportunity when it comes to sleep and our kids. There are so many activities and a lot of homework competing for their time and attention. By the time we hustle them off to bed, they’re a bit wound up.
Remember your school aged child needs 10-11 hours of sleep per night. Teens need around 9.
Do these 2 things today with your kids. I guarantee it will improve their quality and quantity of sleep.
In return, you’ll see happier, healthier, and well rested kids.
And what household couldn’t use an extra dose of good cheer?
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