MistyWolf
08-23-2002, 03:42 PM
Use 15-Minute Rule To Get Kids On Schedule
Reading Book At Bedtime Calms Children
POSTED: 4:09 p.m. EDT August 23, 2002
UPDATED: 4:13 p.m. EDT August 23, 2002
CLEVELAND -- The summer break is coming to an end for students, but getting children back on a regular sleep schedule may be tough for some parents.
According to NewsChannel5, there are a few things that parents can do to get their kids back on schedule.
Serena DePenti, who is in the second grade, is excited about going back to school. She said that her favorite subjects are reading, writing and eating lunch!
Before she can enjoy her favorite classes, it's important to get a good night's sleep.
"I make sure she has a bath the night before because it saves time in the morning," said Heather DePenti. "I make sure she brushes her teeth. She has her drink of water, her hugs and kisses and anything so she doesn't procrastinate so once she's in bed, she's in bed for the night."
Kaiser Permanente's pediatrician Dr. John Alfes agrees completely with the way that Depenti plans bedtime.
"I think it's helpful if the children know that they have a bedtime, and they know what it is, so you're not bargaining or negotiating what time to go to bed," he said.
WEWS said as the summer winds down, it's a good idea to put kids to bed 15 minutes earlier each day. Get them up 15 minutes earlier each morning as well.
In addition, keep stimulating activity right before bedtime to a minimum. Instead, try reading a book.
"I'll read her a book," DePenti said. "I'll let her lay in bed and watch maybe a half hour of TV time just to calm her down."
WEWS said that last tip is to put a night light in the hallway if one is needed. Do not put it in the child's room.
"I really want to go back to school because I have a really cool, cool, cool, cool book bag and new shoes," Serena said.
Reading Book At Bedtime Calms Children
POSTED: 4:09 p.m. EDT August 23, 2002
UPDATED: 4:13 p.m. EDT August 23, 2002
CLEVELAND -- The summer break is coming to an end for students, but getting children back on a regular sleep schedule may be tough for some parents.
According to NewsChannel5, there are a few things that parents can do to get their kids back on schedule.
Serena DePenti, who is in the second grade, is excited about going back to school. She said that her favorite subjects are reading, writing and eating lunch!
Before she can enjoy her favorite classes, it's important to get a good night's sleep.
"I make sure she has a bath the night before because it saves time in the morning," said Heather DePenti. "I make sure she brushes her teeth. She has her drink of water, her hugs and kisses and anything so she doesn't procrastinate so once she's in bed, she's in bed for the night."
Kaiser Permanente's pediatrician Dr. John Alfes agrees completely with the way that Depenti plans bedtime.
"I think it's helpful if the children know that they have a bedtime, and they know what it is, so you're not bargaining or negotiating what time to go to bed," he said.
WEWS said as the summer winds down, it's a good idea to put kids to bed 15 minutes earlier each day. Get them up 15 minutes earlier each morning as well.
In addition, keep stimulating activity right before bedtime to a minimum. Instead, try reading a book.
"I'll read her a book," DePenti said. "I'll let her lay in bed and watch maybe a half hour of TV time just to calm her down."
WEWS said that last tip is to put a night light in the hallway if one is needed. Do not put it in the child's room.
"I really want to go back to school because I have a really cool, cool, cool, cool book bag and new shoes," Serena said.