We often hear that the most important thing is starting your day off right. While there may be some truth to that, when it comes to your kids, there is another far more important aspect of their day.
Most parents dread creating an evening routine. They may believe that their child simply won’t comply, and bedtime may already feel like total chaos. Despite this-the faster you get a real routine in order, the easier things will be down the line. You may be wondering WHY bedtime is so important. According to Sanford Health and the American Academy for Pediatrics, children between the ages of 3-5 years of age should be getting 10-13 hours of sleep each day, including naps.
Kids aged 6-12 years of age should be getting between 9-12 hours each day.
While most parents hate the idea of a bedtime routine, a bedtime routine can be beneficial in so many ways. Not only does it help create healthy habits, but it also ensures that your child is getting the right amount of rest.
Without proper rest, your child’s mental and physical well-being will suffer.
For those who have tried to implement one with little results, here are some helpful tips.
1. Start the routine at the same time every night.
2. Dim the lights.
3. Stop screen use an hour before bed.
4. End the day with a nice warm bath.
5. Do a quiet family activity like reading.
6. Have a set wake-up time.
At first, it will be a struggle, but in no time, your child will adjust. What’s even greater is that the benefits will come in tenfold. The more your child adjusts to a proper routine, the better their behavior will be and the better they will do academically. Sleep is an essential part of everyone’s routine, not just children’s. Studies have shown that kids who get regular sleep have improved focus, behavior, learning, memory, and overall health.