How important is it to set up a bedtime routine for kids?

Do you know there is a close-knit connection between sleep, mood, and health? And it is this aspect that makes it very important to ensure that you strictly follow a bedtime routine for your child, regardless of his/her age. At JP International School, ranked among the Best CBSE Schools in Greater Noida, we believe that it is imperative that bedtime rituals are followed consistently to develop a healthy sleep routine in children. Having regular sleeping schedules and appropriate bedtime routines can help kids get the quality sleep they need and provide them with the ability to perform at peak levels. The more early the kids are indulged in bedtime rituals, the better it is for them to accept and follow the same for a lifetime.

No doubt, a good sleeping routine that helps kids unwind from their tedious daily routine is needed for their healthy growth. Anything from providing a cool and quiet sleeping environment to bedtime rituals like story-reading and gadget restrictions can aid in giving a child a good night’s rest. A good night’s sleep is indeed critical to promote a child’s growth and development. It helps take the stress out of bedtime and prevents possible future sleep problems. Kids who do not get enough sleep are more likely to experience problems in their childhood development.

However, there are no hard-and-fast rules for following a bedtime routine. Each child is unique and has their own sleeping patterns and needs. So, as long as your child’s sleeping routine is working well for them, it is probably the best. Having said that, there are a few common approaches that work better for all children in general. Let’s have a look at some of these below:

Creating a regular bedtime routine is essential

For kids, keeping a consistent and regular bedtime ritual is important. Children whose parents set strict bedtime routines and guidelines sleep better than those who don’t. Moreover, creating a consistent routine to a child’s bedtime hours and surrounding conditions can create a sense of control and security in the minds of the little ones thus making their sleeping time more organized and comfortable.

Limit the use of tech and gadgets at night

One big problem with today’s children is that they take a long time in going to sleep as they stay involved in activities like playing video games or watching TV before bedtime. With today’s increased use of gadgets, limiting technology at bed or just before bedtime is important. When you practice the routine of stopping the use of gadgets at night time, it helps them form a habit of going to bed at a specific time. The more exposed the children remain to electronic media around their bed, the less quality sleep they get to enjoy.

Create a comfy sleep environment

Bedtime is often linked with a calm and relaxed environment. Most parents acknowledge that a quiet and dark bedtime routine is comforting and calming for their kids. So, make sure you provide your kids with a dark and noise-free environment to sleep in. This way, they will get into a habit of getting to sleep easily and faster.

Cuddle with your little one

While all these are great ways to put your child to sleep, perhaps the most important bedtime ritual can be cuddling and pampering your child. Bedtime can be a daily moment to build and nurture your child’s relationship with you. Make it a time to listen to your kid’s talks, snuggle, kiss, and give them a few minutes of undivided attention. When you do so, you are actually adding a significant measure of emotional strength to your child, which helps them sleep with peace.

We, at JP InternationalSchool, have always maintained our focus on the holistic development of our pupils, for which health is the prime aspect that needs to be taken into consideration. And it is indeed the sleeping routine of children that immensely impacts their health. If children don’t get to sleep properly, they wake up lethargic and fail to perform to their fullest potential. It is hence important that the bedtime routines of children are never ignored. After all, as they say, “A good laugh and a long sleep are the two best cures for anything.”

- JP International School