Having Trouble Getting the Kids to Bed?
It happens a lot at our house. It’s time for bed. My wife and I have told the boys that they need to be in bed with ‘lights out’ at 9:00. It’s 9:07 and they are dragging their feet. The TV is still on, backpacks (and their contents) are sprawled out all over the kitchen floor, my oldest son says, “Oh, I only have 5 more math problems to do”, and our stress level is going up, up, up!
With an age difference of five years (my oldest is 13) it becomes a little tricky to establish a ‘one time fits all’ bedtime goal. But I will say this: my teenager needs a good night’s sleep. Puberty takes a toll on the body and eight hours of sleep does him a world of good.
According to the National Sleep Foundation,
“Sleep promotes alertness, memory and performance. Children who get enough sleep are more likely to function better and are less prone to behavioral problems and moodiness.”
Here’s the foundation’s recommended amount of sleep a child needs:
How Much Sleep Does My Child Need?
| Age | Hours of Sleep |
|---|---|
| 0 - 2 months | 10.5 - 18 |
| 2 - 12 months | 14 - 15 |
| 1 - 3 years | 12 -14 |
| 3 - 5 years | 11 - 13 |
| 5 - 12 | 10 - 11 |
Of course, all kids are unique and may require more or less sleep, but did you know that (according to Child Care Aware) sixty-nine percent of all kids under age 10 experience a sleep condition/problem? Make sure you talk with your child’s doctor if you notice your little gal or guy is having trouble breathing during the night or if there’s any other sleep problem that he/she experiences on a regular basis.
Speaking of “problems”, here’s a quick rundown on some sleep disorders:
- Insomnia: Trouble with falling asleep, staying asleep or waking up too early. Not getting enough sleep.
- Nightmares: Once in a while is okay, but some kids have them frequently.
- Sleepwalking: Can be a problem for kids ages 3 – 7; not getting enough sleep is often the cause.
- Snoring: Some kids snore, and that’s okay. Check with your pediatrician to make sure snoring isn’t caused by enlarged tonsils or adenoids.
- Sleep Apnea: This can be serious! It’s a condition in which a child may experience pauses or stops in breathing while asleep. May be caused by blocked nasal passages. Should be treated by a doctor promptly.
- Narcolepsy: Extreme tirednes, sleepiness; uncontrollable urges to fall asleep during the day (even when the child gets enough sleep at night). A doctor should be consulted for proper diagnosis and treatment.
- Sleeptalking: Crying, laughing or talking while asleep. Not a serious condition and there’s no need for treatment (as long as it doesn’t wake the child).
Bottom line: Make sure your son or daughter is getting enough sleep. Good sleep habits will not only help you as the parent, but will help your child for a lifetime.
