As parents, we know how important it is for our kids to get a good night’s sleep. Not only does it prevent cranky mornings and meltdowns, but it’s essential for healthy brain development, too. But sometimes getting your little ones to catch those much-needed ZZZs can be a challenge. Luckily, there are plenty of tried-and-true tips that can help you and your family finally get the rest you need each night.
- Establish a Bedtime Routine - One of the best ways to ensure better kid sleep is by instituting an evening routine that they can look forward to every night. This doesn’t have to be complicated or time consuming—it could be something as simple as reading a book, brushing teeth, and taking a warm bath before bedtime. Doing this every night will help train their bodies to recognize when it’s time for sleep.
- Turn off Screens - We all know that screens aren’t conducive for sleep because of the blue light they emit which affects our circadian rhythm; however, this is especially true for children who are more sensitive to light than adults. Keep TVs, tablets, phones, and other electronics out of the bedroom so that your kiddos won’t be tempted to use them in the evening hours before bedtime.
- Make Sure Their Room Is Comfortable - If your child isn’t comfortable in their own space then they won’t be able to fall asleep easily or stay asleep throughout the night; so it stands to reason that if you want them to get better sleep then you should make sure their room has everything they need: comfortable temperatures (ideally between 67-72 degrees Fahrenheit), darkness (blackout curtains are incredibly helpful), and some white noise such as gentle music or a fan running in the background if it helps them relax.
- Exercise During The Day - Regular physical activity during the day will help tire out your little one so that when nighttime rolls around they can crash much easier than if they had spent all day lounging around on the couch watching TV or playing video games instead of getting outside and being active; plus regular exercise has been proven to improve both mental and physical health which will benefit them in all areas of life (including sleeping better at night).
- Avoid Caffeine And Sugar Late In The Day - Obviously caffeine should always be limited for children because it can disrupt their normal sleeping patterns; however sugary foods should also be avoided close to bedtime because sugar spikes energy levels which makes falling asleep much more difficult even when caffeine isn't involved.
With these five tips in mind, hopefully you'll have no problem helping your kids get the restful sleep they need each night! From setting up an evening routine and avoiding screens before bedtime to making sure their room is comfortable and avoiding caffeine or sugary snacks late in the day—these five steps will help create positive habits that will stay with them well into adulthood! Good luck!