A typical routine, which allows children to have time outside, playdates, and other activities, provides them a sense of control, and because of this, kids thrive on it. But because of the pandemic, their usual routine has likely changed. And for kids, a lack of predictability can be alarming them, and the risk of anxiety may rise and be a concern for parents.
The sudden feel of fear, feeling insecurity towards other kids, and staying at home to help prevent the virus's spread make their family challenged in keeping their composure, and kids may don't get enough sleep.
However, parents need to help their kids feel comfortable inside their home during the pandemic to help them get enough sleep, maintain healthy diets, manage their emotions and actions, and develop their strength amidst new normal.
For kids to get enough sleep was already difficult, even when the pandemic wasn't there. Their sleep routines seem to decrease rapidly, but quietly after their everyday routines were interrupted. More time spend on gadgets and other screens and the amount of stress that most people, even kids, face added to their lack of sleep.
American Academy of Sleep Medicine has set the recommendations below on how kids can get enough sleep based on their ages;
- 3 to 5 years old kids must have 10 to 13 hours of sleep at night
- 6 to 12 years old kids must have 9 to 12 hours of sleep at night
- While teens must have at least 8 to 10 hours
Here Are Easy Ways To Help Your Kids Get Enough Sleep
Talk to your kids and address their fears
Kids always rely on their parents for their physical and emotional protection. Parents need to assure their kids that you will be there for them and that your family can overcome this pandemic together.
To assess their fears that interrupts them to get enough sleep they need, you may follow the steps below;
- Let them ask you questions about the pandemic, and you must provide them with pure, sincere, and honest answers.
- It would be best if you listened to them and recognized their emotions or feelings during pandemics.
- Have them the time to bond and keep in touch with your family and love ones aways from them.
- And most importantly, for parents, set yourselves as their model in keeping your composure and emotions so that they will have the eyes to follow you.
Keep yourself winding down every after you bring your kids or your family to sleep
To help your kids get enough sleep, avoid them being on screens for at least an hour before their bedtime instead, engage them in calming, wind-down activities. For younger kids, you may try reading them stories or have them do their puzzles. This kind of exercise will help keep your kids' minds from racing in all different directions, making them unable to sleep easily.
Bedtime and wake-up time are set within the family, especially during the weekend
Sleep patterns inconsistent with your kids are not suitable for improving their sleep and maintaining their healthy immune systems. Often, keep in mind that well-rested kids would have a higher attention span the next day while doing activities in the day.
