Forefront Families

Many parents do not realize that their kids may be deprived of the necessary rest and sleep required to rejuvenate their bodies and help protect them from possible injury and illness.  This is why the National Center on Sleep Disorder Research developed a ‘Sleep Well, Do Well Star Sleeper’ campaign.  Its goal is to create parental awareness of the need for children to get enough sleep (at least 9 hours) to do their best in all activities.  They say that that like adults, children suffer when they don’t get enough sleep.  Their school work suffers, they become irritable and fidgety and they are more vulnerable to injury and illness. 

      We all know how frustrating it is when our computer stops functioning so it can catch up with itself.  I must confess that in most cases this is my own fault because I have given it too many orders too quickly and it just can’t process everything at the same time.  Funny that!  Just like our computers many kids become over-stimulated by input.  In their case it is often caused by constant activity, noise, and inconsistent routines.  We recently observed a family with toddlers, where the mother takes them to some activity away from home, often twice a day, EVERY day. They often ask, “Where are we going today?”  Kids need new experiences and a stimulating environment, but they also need rest, space, and time to learn how to occupy themselves.  They need to learn to use their own imagination.    From the time we are born, through mid-twenties and beyond we are on a huge learning curve.  Not only are we learning from parents, but we also have to comply with the expectations of others – sometimes conflicting.  So much to learn – so little time!  How can we, as parents, make this developmental period easier? 

      Routine helps kids assimilate information in an orderly manner.  When they know what is going to happen next they don’t have to think about it.  Routine should be thought through carefully rather than to be just adopted as ‘this is what we always do’.  It should include appropriate sleep time for the children, and regular rest spots during the day depending on their ages.  The day should include stimulating play times, along with space to be alone to play quietly, read or watch educational TV.  It is suggested that babies need 14-15 hours sleep per day, toddlers 12-14 hours, and school age kids should get 10-11 hours. Adults need a good 8 hours to function well.  As adults, we need to put value on rest and sleep so that our kids learn its value.   

       Suggestions to encourage restful sleep are as follows: Develop a peaceful home environment, free of ongoing stress.  Ensure kids have plenty of energetic play during the day. Associate bed with sleep.  It is not a good idea to use the bed as a ‘time out’ spot.  Limit foods from the diet that will make kids hyperactive.  These may include sugars and certain food colorings.  Avoid stimulating activities or scary movies directly before bedtime.  A quiet, calm environment prepares the body and mind for sleep.   

      God did not create one day of rest just for the fun of it.  He knew that we needed time to replenish our energy, to give our brains a break and to just enjoy some good old peace and quiet.  For our kids to perform at their best, we need to show them how to rest their minds and bodies. We do this by being effective role models and creating the environment needed for rest and sleep.  

If you have any suggestions or comments on this subject please contact us at:   management@forefrontfamilies.org