Busy! Bedtime! Books!
It’s back to school time! Getting up early, rushing for the bus, new schedules, busy days, getting to bed late…We all know what it’s like when we feel hurried or tired, when the days are swift and beyond our control.
It’s the same for children.
It is easy to recognize that school-aged children need a regular bedtime for school, but what about your preschool-aged children?
All children benefit from routines-especially at bedtime!
“Not only do nighttime rituals help children transition to a more relaxed bedtime mind-set, but allowing kids to know what to expect helps them feel in control,” says Jocelyn Joseph, MD, chief of pediatrics at the MIT Medical Center. “Without that, they can have a hard time falling asleep and are more likely to act out.”
You can create a routine that works best for your family. Even if it means starting a little earlier, allowing enough time for each task will make bedtime less stressful. Get inspired with this sample routine:
•Take a bath
•Brush teeth
•Put on pajamas
•Choose two books
•Share bedtime stories
While children’s needs may vary, the American Academy of Sleep Medicine offers these guidelines for children (including naptime):
•Infants (up to 11 months): 14-15 hours
•Toddlers: 12-14 hours
•Preschoolers: 11-13 hours
•School-aged children: 10-11 hours
So we’ve talked some about being busy (we’ve all got plenty of experience with that), sleeping (we’d all wish for a little more of that), and now bedtime (of course, you know this is the part with books)!
With all the “busy-ness” and unexpectedness of each day, there is something special about pausing at the end of the day to really be present with your child. Bedtime stories may be one of the few times during the day that you share uninterrupted time.
Remember that reading builds brains, develops language, stirs curiosity, strengthens bonds, and eases the day into night.
Books are a vital part of bedtime routines that prepare your child for a wonderful day of success!
Happy Reading!
Lisa Davis, Early Literacy Coordinator
RESOURCES
Regular bedtimes help children get a better night’s sleep and create smarter kids. Click here for more information.
Explore our blog for a wealth of articles on literacy, as well as a variety of posts dedicated to strengthening children, connecting families, and ending child abuse.
For information about free book resources for your family, visit our website.
The North Carolina Early Childhood Foundation is dedicated to fostering systemic transformation to ensure a solid base for the enduring health, education, and well-being of all children in North Carolina. Discover more by visiting their website.