If you are trying to raise smart, healthy, well behaved children, don't make the mistake so many parents make in thinking children only need 8 hours sleep (the standard for adults.)

Children are growing and their bodies require more sleep.  According to the website:  Kid's Health, Children require at least 9 hours of sleep depending on their age.

    * Babies to 6 months (16-20 hours daily)
    * Ages 1-3  (10-13 hours)
    * Preschoolers (10-12 hours)
    * Ages 6-9 (10 hours)
    * Ages 10-12 (over 9 hours)
    * Teens (8-9.5 hours)

That's what the researchers say, but I want to talk from my experiences and my heart.

My Experiences                                                           

As a parent of two and a public school teacher for 15 years, I've seen the difference adequate sleep can make in a child's life.

As a fourth grade teacher, I had students who had the hardest time focusing and staying alert in class. I would ask them, "What time did you go to bed?  What time did you get up?"  And most of the times, the students (ages 9-10)  were only getting 7-8 hours sleep.  They went to bed as late as 11 o'clock and those school buses come early!

Now, I think the parents were simply not educated on the amount of sleep children need.  Giving them the benefit of the doubt, I believe many thought 8 hours was the correct amount, but that is for adults.   Every year in health class, the students and parents would be shocked to find out that the amount of sleep recommended was over 10 hours daily.   Some of my students would make the changes in their bedtimes and they said they felt better.  Their parents reported they behaved better at home, and I noticed they did better in school.

It is such a simple change to make that can make such a big difference for you child.

Recently, I heard about a study that showed sleep deprived children showed symptoms of ADD.  Once they got enough sleep the symptoms went away or were reduced.

OK, so you agree they need more sleep.   How do you get kids to go to bed on time?

How do you get children to bed on time?

Well, all kids are different, but most all of them respond to a predictable schedule with a familiar routine.

It takes time to establish new habits, so don't give up if it doesn't go smoothly in the beginning.

What worked for my two girls was a familiar routine.  We had a clock that made different bird sounds each hour.  About 5 minutes before six o'clock, I would announce,"When the bird sings, we will eat dinner."

About 5 minutes before seven o'clock, I would announce, "When the bird sings, we will take baths."

About 5 minutes before eight o'clock, I would announce, "When the bird sings, we will go to bed."

After a few weeks, I didn't even have to say anything.  They had learned the routine and knew what to expect when each bird sang.  They never argued about bedtime.  I think it is hard to argue with a bird, don't you?

Of course, in between baths and bedtime, we had story time.  Story time is such an important part of their reading readiness and education.  The children who do the best in school almost always have this in common that they had story time every night with a parent.  Not only does it improve their vocabulary and language development, but it creates a special time for bonding and building trust with the parent.

Making a Difference

Children will be better behaved, make better grades, and stay healthier when they get enough sleep.  Make bedtime a priority, but make it a predictable routine so it isn't a stressful time for you or your child.   This is one thing you can do as a MOM at Home Making a Difference.

Learn more about being a M.A.H.M.A. (Moms at Home Making a Difference) at Project Mahma.