How to Teach Your Kids About Sleep

Every living creature, from the tiniest bug to the largest whale, sleeps. While humans may not need nearly as many hours of sleep as some animals do (hello armadillos!) , our sleep is just as critical. Sleep is critical for sustaining good health. However, difficulty in falling asleep is not exclusive to just adults. Children may have difficulty sleeping, and when they can’t sleep, you can’t sleep either.

It’s important to help your kid get enough sleep. Therefore, making that happen begins with you teaching your kid about sleep. 

In this article, you’ll learn why your child’s sleep is important and discover further valuable information that will aid you in teaching your children about sleep. So, if you’re wondering about how your kids can learn about sleep and its importance, then consider these facts on how to teach your kids about sleep.

• Know what sleep is all about

The first step in teaching your kids how to sleep is to know what sleep is all about. You must keep in mind that you cannot give what you don’t have; hence you cannot teach your kids about sleep if you don’t have enough knowledge on the fundamentals of sleep.

To make this happen, try acquiring as much knowledge on; what sleep is and why it’s important, how to get good sleep and how to wake up refreshed in the morning, the consequences of lack of sleep and sleep disorder, and how to measure sleep and so on. 

• Teach them the importance of sleep

To help your child sleep better, you must familiarize them with the benefits of sleep. Helping your child understand why a proper level of sleep is important and would make them appreciate good sleeping habits and want to maintain the set bedtime created by you. 

• Establish a regular bedtime routine

Kids need routines more than anyone else. Setting a consistent bedtime routine for your kids is a great way to get them to learn more about their sleep. After dinner, the rest of the night should include mild playtime, a shower, washing teeth, a bedtime story, and finally going to bed. 

Try to create a soothing and relaxing routine to promote the best bedtime atmosphere. Doing this may make your child's body begin to grow sleepy not long from the beginning of the routine.

• Set at least 1 or 2 hours of quiet time before bedtime and eliminate distractions

Each night, allot up to an hour or two before your kid's bedtime for peaceful activities such as listening to soft music, reading a book in low light, or having a warm shower or bath. The activity should be enjoyable and serve as a reminder that bedtime is approaching. It will also make them start looking forward to bedtime.

The last few minutes of quiet time should be spent in your kid’s room. Additionally, it is critical to carry and place your kid in bed when awake so that they may learn to fall asleep on their own. 

• Lead by example

One important thing to not ignore is for you to lead by example. It is a known fact that kids learn from what they see people around them do. Hence, your lifestyle as a parent will influence your kids' behaviours.

If you want your kids to maintain a healthy sleep culture, then you have to consider whether you’re doing the same.

Conclusion 

When little children refuse to settle down and sleep, bedtime may become a battleground. However, you can overcome the challenge by applying the above tips to balance the probabilities of triumph. 

Additionally, provide your kids with plenty of love and attention throughout every process. Remind them of your pride in them each time they take a step towards sleeping better. Compliment their improvement and make sure to pay attention when they show self-confidence.