Friday, April 26, 2024
Madison Huse is a Dallas-born 24-year-old Granbury resident who has lived in Hood County since 2018. She works part-time as a swim teacher in between her time as a stay-at-home mom. She enjoys canine enrichment, snow sports, and volunteering anywhere she may be needed.
“When the going gets tough, the tough take a nap.”
— British writer Tom Hodgkinson
As a young mom, I understand the importance of a good night’s rest.
Getting at least seven to eight hours of uninterrupted sleep is crucial for me to maintain my day-to-day activities and responsibilities. Recently my daughter, Bunny, outgrew taking naps in the afternoon, therefore we began transitions to an earlier bed time to compensate for the adjustment.
During this transition period we learned how much every detail affected our daughter’s sleep; we realized the importance of setting her up for success throughout the night by strengthening her existing bedtime routine.
With that being said, what exactly is a bed time routine? Simply put, a bed time routine is a sequence of events one takes to prepare themselves for sleep. Establishing a consistent night time routine can help your child feel more secure and calm, leading to a more quality night of rest.
According to The American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM), children between the ages of six and 12 need nine to 12 hours of quality sleep, naps included.
Getting eight hours of rest every night may be quite a challenge for working parents depending on your situation. It can be easy to think our children are flexible and well able to handle these irregularities; however, the reality is quite opposite.
A pattern of sleep irregularities and deprivation can lead to behavior problems and health issues. Focusing and prioritizing an appropriate sleep schedule for your child can help boost their immune system and develop strong mental health.
A few tips to help guide your child in the right direction include setting consistent boundaries, monitoring screen time, and creating a comfortable atmosphere to sleep in.
SET CONSISTENT BOUNDARIES
Have the expectations be clear and straightforward. For example, I try to always give Bunny a 30-minute heads up before she needs to start getting ready for bed. In our home bedtime is strictly 8:30 p.m. At 7:30 p.m. our 6-year-old daughter is notified to start winding down, turn off the TV, and pick up her room.
At 8 p.m. she starts brushing her teeth and changing into PJ’s. By 8:15 p.m. (on a good day) she is waiting in her reading hammock, ready for me to join in her in discussion of our day, followed by a few books until lights go out. (Pro tip: get a large clock the kiddos can read and place it in a common area to help them stay on track with time). Whether there is school or not the next day we do our best to adhere to this schedule to establish expectation, security, and consistency.
LIMIT SCREEN TIME
In 2021, there are endless devices we can utilize to educate and entertain our kids. However, balance is key. Too much screen
time, especially before sleep, can create educational problems and insomnia. Turning off all screens and putting them away roughly an hour before bed ensures less distractions and mental strain throughout the night.
SAFE, COMFORTABLE
ENVIRONMENT
Verify the thermostat. Double check that all toys and devices are out of the bed. Talk and read with your child. Dim the lights. Emphasize the security and comfort around them and nurture their concerns with acknowledgment and reinforcement.
Optimizing sleep has endless benefits but overall creates a bigger picture: a happier, healthier child. What kinds of practices have you implemented to help your child sleep better? I want to hear from you.
madison.huse@gmail.com | 817-655-4323
Mrs. Huse is a 24-year-old Dallas born, Granbury resident that has lived in Hood County with her husband and adopted daughter since 2018. She works part-time as a swim teacher in between her time as a stay-at-home mom. She enjoys canine enrichment, snow sports, and volunteering anywhere she may be needed.
