If you have not already done so, please read Blog Posts 1 through 5 that describe how sleep is important and beneficial. I will post specific information for parents and children based on my book, “Healthy Sleep Habits, Happy Child.” Please do not be put off by my book’s length. This is a reference book. Read only the topic of interest to you.
A. Routines (Blog Post 242A)
B. Establish Priorities
There is an absolute carryover effect from the efforts we put forth during the early years to ensure healthy sleep. As parents, we were in 100 percent agreement that our children’s sleep was the priority. We adjusted our dining and socializing and never regretted these changes for one minute. We didn’t lose any friends or miss any social opportunities that were important to us because of their napping or early bedtimes. In fact, we believe it helped us learn how to prioritize how, when, and where we spent our time. As a result, we see our children making similar choices on their own. They will adjust their homework rituals during the week or weekends if they know they have to be up early for a sporting or school commitment. As long as they feel we are respectful of their desire to stay up for a special event or TV, a social commitment or weekends and holidays, they never challenge us during the week. The number one reason, we believe, the bedtime process is relatively easy is 100 percent a result of the commitment and understanding from the early months and years. They love to sleep. They find their beds a safe and restful place. The children know their own sleep needs and do not like the feeling of being tired.
Having three children in three and a half years, we learned three basic principles in those earliest days of parenting that we never forget: your child needs a great deal of sleep, your child will be happy and healthy when they are rested, and your family will benefit from rested children. Through those simple directives, we established some very basic priorities for our family that continue to guide us almost thirteen years later.
