Parenting

Saturday, November 7, 2009

8 Helpful Summer Sleep Tips for Kids

Children need at least nine hours of sleep each night on a regular basis to be healthy, active, and able to perform their best in school, sports and other extracurricular activities. During the summer, it can be hard for parents and kids to keep a steady sleep schedule, resulting in lost valuable sleep. Better Sleep Council Spokesperson and Lifestyle Expert Lissa Coffey offers the following tips to help parents ensure a good night’s sleep for their children.

1.    Set a Regular Bedtime For Your Child and Stick to It.
A regular bedtime can help make sure your child gets a full night's rest. The Obama daughters have an 8:30 pm bedtime.  This is an ideal time to tuck children in, especially when kids need to be up early for summer activities.

2.    Help Your Child Get at Least 9 Hours of Sleep Each Night. To be their best, children need 9-10 hours of sleep every night. This is important, even on the weekends. 

3.     Don't Over-Schedule Your Child. Too many summertime activities and commitments can keep children from precious sleep. Allow your child plenty of time during the day for outdoor recreation, summer lessons and chores to ensure that they are not up past their bedtime. And try to avoid scheduling after-dinner activities like club meetings during the week; these tend to be very stimulating.

4.    Develop a Sleep Ritual; Help Your Child Unwind Before Bed. Allow your child at least one hour before bedtime to relax and unwind.  Try relaxing activities, like taking a bath or reading with your child, to help him or her transition into sleep mode.  This is also a special time to share with your child.  They’ll fall asleep easier and faster if they can relax before bed. Avoid loud music and television prior to bed, especially violent programming.

5.    Avoid Caffeine. Consuming caffeine, found in soft drinks and chocolate, even in the daytime, can make it more difficult for your child to fall asleep.

Continue Reading 8 Helpful Summer Sleep Tips on Intent.com 

By Lissa Coffey on Intent.com

Lissa Coffey is a lifestyle designer and relationship expert and the author of “What’s Your Dosha, Baby? Discover the Vedic Way for Compatibility in Life and Love.” Visit Lissa’s site for more info: www.coffeytalk.com


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From the Community…

Comments 1-10 of 10
  • sally's Avatar
    Posted by sally Thu Jul 2, 2009 6:44am PDT

    Good tips, but isn't she a bit old to have that in her mouth?

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  • *devotion72's Avatar
    Posted by *devotion72 Thu Jul 2, 2009 7:30am PDT

    I agree with you Sally!

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  • Mom2One's Avatar
    Posted by Mom2One Thu Jul 2, 2009 9:44am PDT

    Ahhhh, the paci habit. That's a hard one to kick!

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  • mommaofsun's Avatar
    Posted by mommaofsun Thu Jul 2, 2009 10:04am PDT

    I agree with you Sally. She is a bit old to have that.

    I was lucky, Mom2One, with both of my kids. We simply told them that they were big boys now and it had to go, and they handed it over, and never had any problems.

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  • Rose's Avatar
    Posted by Rose Thu Jul 2, 2009 9:27pm PDT

    I agree. My son never liked them and i am glad thats just one less habit that i'll have to train him out of.

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  • Sesame seed's Avatar
    Posted by Sesame seed Sat Jul 4, 2009 8:45am PDT

    She still has a pacifier in her mouth. Whats that all about. Kids need to lose the pacifier when they start drinking out of a cup. If they still have a pacifier after that, then its totally the parents fault and pure laziness.

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  • Karen S's Avatar
    Posted by Karen S Sat Jul 4, 2009 9:36pm PDT

    I'm glad my kids gave up the paci easily but one thing I've learned as a parent -- never say never and don't be so quick to judge :) Good advice in this article!

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  • riaz k's Avatar
    Posted by riaz k Sat Jul 4, 2009 9:54pm PDT

    great tips, thanks .

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  • LaLa's Avatar
    Posted by LaLa Sun Jul 5, 2009 12:36pm PDT

    I completley agree with the bath thing. My daughter of 11 months will tell me she wants a bath. However I wish i could read to her at night. She gets so excited when I pull out the books. I read to her in the day and it has the same effect.It doesnt matter then but I dont want to get her worked up whenI trying to wind her down....Any suggestions?

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  • Judith's Avatar
    Posted by Judith Mon Jul 6, 2009 10:41pm PDT

    as mum for 5 month baby,1st daughter..great tips and ensure a good night’s sleep for her.thank you..:D

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