Does going to sleep late really affect kids?
Yes! When I see a teacher having a hard day and some children not behaving accordingly, I usually ask what time did you go to sleep?
Lack of sleep can make any sane adult grumpy and moody it does the same to a child. In addition, a child has a hard time knowing how to keep their grumpiness to themselves while an adult at least has some self control!
All in all ensuring that your students and children get to bed on time will definitely help the classroom atmosphere. The children would be able to focus better, catch on quicker, and be their cheerful self with a decent dose of snooze.
How to ensure easy and quick bedtime without the fuss:
- Schedule– the children should know what to expect when getting ready for bed. Do you do the 4 B’s? Bath, Brush hair and teeth, Book and Bed? For a child who has a hard time with structure, I recommend hanging up an easy bedtime chart for them to follow and then they can cross off what they did already.
- Routine– same time every time! Have a set bedtime! time your children how long it takes them to get into bed and then you will know what time to start bedtime.
- Be Consistent– Although this is similar to structure it is somewhat different. If you find your child always asking for a drink or requesting to go to the bath room when they should have been in bed set some rules in place. Ex: one drink a night etc. This should go hand in hand with your and your child’s needs. ( this would work with a night light also, on or off..)
- Relax– take the stress off from bedtime and you will see yourself enjoying the time with your children. When you have your rules and structure in place your children know what to expect, taking the pressure off and letting you just enjoy them.
How do I know if my child is getting enough sleep?
| 2-3 year old | 11- 14 hours a day ( includes a 1-3 hr nap) | |
| 4 year old | 10-13 hours a day ( can include a 1-2 hr nap) | |
| 5 year old | 10-13 hours a day ( can include a 1-2 hr nap) | |
| 6 year old | 10-13 hours a day | |
| 7 year old | 9-12 hours a day | |
| 8 year old | 9-12 hours a day | |
| 9 year old | 9-12 hours a day | |
| 10 year old | 9-12 hours a day |
The chart shows the average sleep needed, however an easy way to tell if your child needs more sleep:
- he tends to fall asleep during the day
- has a hard time waking up in the morning
- is cranky and irritable during the day
Make sure that you also get a good nights rest! It is important for your child to be a happy and relaxed mom or teacher.
Good Night!
