For a child to have a good day and to slow down less in the morning (with the risk of arriving late), his nights must already be of quality. Therefore, many parents aware of the importance of fixed schedules and a good routine would like to set up a bedtime and will stick to it for the well-being of the child.
However, where it gets complicated is that not all children get up at the same time and this affects bedtime. A child going to bed too early may have difficulty getting to sleep. A child who goes to bed too late risks spending his day yawning and will have difficulty keeping up, especially at school with all the activities that follow one another in a very dense manner and knowledge to be gained. In addition, the needs are not the same at different ages.
This table addressed to parents created by Wilson elementary school in Wisconsin in the United States will allow you to see things more clearly and make better choices about your child’s bedtime.
Important: this table is onlyindicative and is based on averages!
This is essential because it means only YOU can find the pace that works best for your child. Indeed, each of them is different and has unique needs. Additionally, many parents come home from work late and would like to be able to spend time with children despite everything, which is commendable and understandable. In this case, if you strictly follow this table, you risk no longer seeing your children…
However, some parents can also be very lax and let their children go to bed early and spend hours in front of screens. However, specialists believe that many children do not get enough sleep and that this influences their growth and their concentration at school. These are therefore things to think about carefully to find the right balance.
In short, Above all, do what works best for you and your child..
Here is the table showing a child’s bedtime by age group and wake-up time
How to help young children at bedtime?
Bedtime is a time dreaded by many parents. While there is no magic cure, helping young children fall asleep quickly and sleep well requires establishing calming routines and creating an environment conducive to sleep.
A calm and well-practiced bedtime ritual for a child
Set up a regular routine is in fact essential so that the child associates certain gestures with bedtime and can prepare for it without struggling. This can include quiet activities like a lukewarm bath (in the evening, our body naturally cools down a little to prepare for sleep and we should therefore not counter this natural process with washing too hot), reading a story or listening to soft music. There repetition of these rituals helps the child feel safe and understand that it is time to relax.
Fix consistent bedtimes is also important. Respecting a regular time allows the child to regulate your biological rhythmwhich makes it easier to fall asleep. So stay firm on this time, even on weekends, while being attentive to your child’s signs of fatigue.
Other tips to help him sleep well
At the same time, creating an environment favorable to sleep greatly contributes to the quality of your rest. A quiet, dark room with a pleasant temperature (not too hotbetween 16 and 18°C when going to bed compared to 19 or 20°C during the day) helps you fall asleep better. Bright or noisy toys should be avoided as should screens that are to be banned from the bedroom and more generally in the evening, at least one hour before bedtime. Indeed, blue light from electronic devices disrupts the production of melatonin, the sleep hormone. Finally, patience and listening to the child’s needs are crucial to helping them sleep well. A reassuring and predictable climate better prepares him for a peaceful night’s sleep.
Want other useful tips to make your life as parents easier? We also offered you tips to encourage your child to brush their teeth as well as advice to make them want to put away their toys. Don’t hesitate to also share your techniques in the comments, because all parents are in the same boat and do the best for their dear little ones. Any advice is therefore good to take.