Alright girls, time to go to bed! Ok mom! Kate Robson has two daughters in school and knows adjusting their sleep schedules takes some effort. We kind of started the week before back to school because this summer we really were pretty loosy goosy about things and the kids went to bed a bit later. The back to school time is definitely a big issue with schedules that have adjusted. Lesley is a behavioural therapist and says 20 to 30 percent of children will have sleep problems.
But there are some easy steps parents can take to get their kids back into a good sleep routine. Reduce or eliminate screen time at least 2 to 3 hours before the actual bedtime, so that incluces TV, video games, playing or working on the computer, tablets, smartphones. Ensure they get enough physical activity during the day. And while a snack is OK before bedtime, avoid heavy meals or caffeine. She says the sleep environment is also key. You want to make sure it's dark enough, the temperature is comfortable and it's quiet enough. Barreira says it's also important to keep a consistent routine throughout the week, including the weekends.
That's a tough one because a lof of us like to sleep in on the weekends but that might be throwing off the schedule. Research has found these behavioural approaches are the most effective way of resolving sleep problems in children. So how much sleep do kids need? It changes over time, but Barreira says younger kids need 11 to 13 hours per night, and by age 10, about 10 hours of sleep per night is recommended. Watch for signs of sleep deprivation, including if your child is hyperactive, irritable, inattentive, takes naps throughout the day or has a hard time waking up. If sleep problems persist, or you notice your child consistently kicks their legs or catches their breath during sleep, make sure to check in with your family doctor to rule out other possible health issues. Thankfully, Kate's daughters are getting back into the school bedtime routine, thanks to consistent and calming activities Sitting down and reading and signing and a lot of cuddling I think that helps them make the transition, and I feel it myself, too.
I feel like I'm calming and slowing down, which I think is really important. With Sunnyview, I'm Monica Matys. .
