Bedtime Tips

With school back in session, bedtimes are a topic we hear questions about quite often. We have found several suggestions approved by the American Academy of Pediatrics that can help set the stage for a more straightforward bedtime routine for your school-aged children. 

For school-aged children, doing a quick tidy-up by placing clothes in drawers and closets, and toys and books back on shelves can make all the difference. While their room doesn't need to be spotless, it is more enjoyable to read, listen to music, and rest in a neat space. It can also make mornings run more smoothly when items are kept in their proper places, making them simpler to locate.

Weekend schedules become a little less structured than school evenings by the middle school years, and weekend bedtimes can be later. Depending on how much sleep each child in the family needs, the lights may go out at different times. If your child is not a creature of habit by nature, try to keep weekend wake-ups within an hour or so of the typical time, even though they may sleep in later the following morning. A young child who has been allowed to sleep excessively may experience shifts in his sleep phase, which makes it difficult for him to resume his regular pattern. He may perform poorly at school because he is sleepy when awakened on school days.

Keeping bedtime routines manageable also plays an important role. Without proper management, bedtime routines may go on for an eternity, negating their intended function. A toddler rapidly discovers that by running the program, he may significantly postpone his bedtime. For instance, he might need to keep switching his stuffed animals since he can't seem to find the ideal mix to put him to sleep on a given night. While allowing your youngster some liberty within the routine, limit their options to keep things under your control. For example, allow him to select a different plush animal for his bed each night, but limit him to a set number. Let him pick a song and a short tale, but not a whole book or CD. The bedtime process should not last more than 30 minutes. As your child ages, you should gradually step back and let him become more in charge of his bedtime routine. Providing these opportunities during his daily routine is also a way to help him become more self-reliant.