Often neglected and lacking in quantity and quality, young children’s sleep is crucial to their physical and mental development. Many parents wonder how much sleep their children should be getting, and how they can help them get quality sleep.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
First of all, it’s important to understand that sleep requirements vary according to a child’s age. Newborns need 14 to 17 hours of sleep a day, while preschoolers need 10 to 13 hours of sleep a day. School-age children need around 9 to 12 hours of sleep a day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
To help young children get quality sleep, it’s essential that parents establish a consistent and ideally unwavering sleep routine, both during the week and on weekends. These routines can include relaxing activities such as reading stories, a massage or a brief parent-child chat. It’s also important to ensure that the child’s bedroom is comfortable, calm and uncluttered, with an appropriate temperature and subdued lighting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It’s also important to limit stimuli before bedtime, such as television, video games or overactive physical play. These stimuli can make it difficult for the child to get into a sleep mode. Parents can also encourage their child to go to bed at the same time every night to establish a healthy sleep routine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If a child has persistent sleep problems, it’s important to see a doctor to rule out any underlying medical problems. Sleep disorders, such as sleep apnea or insomnia, can affect a child’s health and well-being.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The choice of snacks is another factor to consider. It’s a well-known fact that, for many children, just one smartie is enough to give them a sugar rush and make them want to climb the walls! But Guillaume, I don’t give my boy smarties in the evening, I give him fruit. Beware: although fruit is natural, it also has a high sugar content. Don’t underestimate the harmful effects on your little hearts’ sleep!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In short, sleep is essential for the development of young children. Parents can help their children achieve quality sleep by establishing a consistent sleep routine, creating a comfortable, quiet bedroom, limiting pre-bedtime stimuli and ensuring that the child gets enough sleep each night.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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Don’t hesitate to contact me if your child has persistent sleep problems, and I’ll be happy to help you give him or her the gift of long, restful nights of sleep. Please note that in the vast majority of cases, a single consultation is all that’s needed <\/strong>to get your child back to a healthy, quality sleep!<\/p>\n\n\n\n You’ll be giving your child the best gift of all, and at the same time – let’s not be shy about saying it – you’ll be giving yourself back access to your adult evenings and nights! I offer personalized private consultations and training that literally works miracles!<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n