Few people know - and fewer practice - one of the secrets to successful child rearing: children thrive when their lives are run on a schedule. Childhood experts say that a regular routine lowers stress in kids and families in general. Kids feel more secure, and their needs are met to a greater degree. Bedtime rituals for children have long been a cherished part of family life, even for those who fail to establish a routine for other activities.
The word ritual evokes religious ceremony, but that is not the definition of the word. Ritualistic mainly means that the act is practiced regularly and invested with a sense of importance. Certain components are repeated every time, which makes it perfect as a part of a child's regular routine.
An early bedtime is important for young people. Researchers say that sleep deprivation is a serious health threat, and studies show that many children fail to get sufficient sleep. It's also nice for parents to have some time in the evening which is not dominated by the needs of the youngest members of the family. Quality of family life is important in maintaining health and happiness.
Electronic babysitters have come to take up more and more time and attention. However, research has shown that all of us, not just younger people, should stop all screen time at least an hour before bed. The blue light from a television or computer screen sends wake-up signals to the brain. Fortunately, soft yellow electric light does not, and darkness promotes sound sleep.
Getting the kids away from computer games and television is easier if you have quiet activities they like and can look forward to. A time-honored way to do this is to send - or help - the kids to get into their pajamas, brush their teeth, maybe take a warm bath. Then you can read them a story, tell them one you make up yourself, or let them play quietly in their room with favorite toys.
Then the old tradition of reading a story can hardly be bettered. With kids ready to climb in bed and settle down, now is the time for some quality parent-child interaction. Stories can be simply read, but they can also be discussed along with things that happened that day. Children may fall asleep during this time, but even if they don't, they'll be relaxed when it's time to turn off the lights.
Anything relaxing can be included, like singing (lullabies, hymns, or songs parents remember from their childhood), saying prayers, listening to music, watching fireflies out the window, or listening to night sounds. As kids get older, reading a chapter of an interesting book each night can be fun. Kids can even read to themselves for a while before its time for a goodnight kiss and lights out.
Many, if not most, adults have trouble following a schedule, even though they might try it and see how well it works. Fortunately, bedtime is one part of the day which can be set and used for bonding between parents and children. This has many benefits, and most people remember these times fondly all their life.
The word ritual evokes religious ceremony, but that is not the definition of the word. Ritualistic mainly means that the act is practiced regularly and invested with a sense of importance. Certain components are repeated every time, which makes it perfect as a part of a child's regular routine.
An early bedtime is important for young people. Researchers say that sleep deprivation is a serious health threat, and studies show that many children fail to get sufficient sleep. It's also nice for parents to have some time in the evening which is not dominated by the needs of the youngest members of the family. Quality of family life is important in maintaining health and happiness.
Electronic babysitters have come to take up more and more time and attention. However, research has shown that all of us, not just younger people, should stop all screen time at least an hour before bed. The blue light from a television or computer screen sends wake-up signals to the brain. Fortunately, soft yellow electric light does not, and darkness promotes sound sleep.
Getting the kids away from computer games and television is easier if you have quiet activities they like and can look forward to. A time-honored way to do this is to send - or help - the kids to get into their pajamas, brush their teeth, maybe take a warm bath. Then you can read them a story, tell them one you make up yourself, or let them play quietly in their room with favorite toys.
Then the old tradition of reading a story can hardly be bettered. With kids ready to climb in bed and settle down, now is the time for some quality parent-child interaction. Stories can be simply read, but they can also be discussed along with things that happened that day. Children may fall asleep during this time, but even if they don't, they'll be relaxed when it's time to turn off the lights.
Anything relaxing can be included, like singing (lullabies, hymns, or songs parents remember from their childhood), saying prayers, listening to music, watching fireflies out the window, or listening to night sounds. As kids get older, reading a chapter of an interesting book each night can be fun. Kids can even read to themselves for a while before its time for a goodnight kiss and lights out.
Many, if not most, adults have trouble following a schedule, even though they might try it and see how well it works. Fortunately, bedtime is one part of the day which can be set and used for bonding between parents and children. This has many benefits, and most people remember these times fondly all their life.
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