3 ways to help your school child develop good sleeping patterns

Sleep plays a huge role in your child’s growth and development. Not getting enough sleep will weaken your child’s immune system and make it harder for them to fight illness and infection. It also makes it harder for your little one to stay focused in school.

Sleep is just as important as regular exercise and healthy eating and the younger your child is, the more sleep they will need to maintain good health. Kids between the ages of five and 11 need about 10 -12 hours of sleep a night and 10 -12 year older need about nine hours.

The best way to ensure your child gets enough sleep is to set up a bedtime routine for them. This could mean bath time and then a story before bed. Whichever you choose makes sure you stick to your routine and make it a relaxing one.

Here are other ways you can help relax your child develop good sleeping patterns:

Make it a family routine

Some children will be more inclined to go to bed early if they know that other siblings are going to bed as well. Have your children get ready for bed at the same time. Make sure they brush their teeth, get into their pjs and dim down the lights. If they know everyone else is going to sleep, they won’t feel like they are missing out on the fun.

Teach your child how to settle themselves

Some parents like to lie down beside their child to help them fall asleep. This sends the message that they need their mum or dad to help them sleep, otherwise they won’t be able to fall asleep. Instead, put your child into bed once they are relaxed and calm. Their desire to sleep will develop naturally so they won’t need to depend on you to drift off to La La Land.

Don’t make it a negative thing

Many parents send their child to bed as a way of punishing them. But, sleep should be viewed as a positive thing . If you want your child to have good sleeping patterns, you need to remind them that sleep is important for their brain to work. Tell them that they need to feel rested to have a fun day in school with their friends.