EDUCATION MATTERS—SANFORD SCHOOL'S PRIVATE SCHOOL BLOG

'Tis The Season To Be Jolly!

As we plan holiday trips and travel, being mindful of children's sleep routines are equally, if not more important. As parents, the more we protect sleep routines, the happier the holiday celebrations will be. Consider the upcoming holiday hints to keep sleeping patterns a priority.

1. Be Realistic

Children are resilient and flexible to a point. Consider asking the host well in advance if festive evening events can be scheduled during an earlier family-friendly time. Otherwise, consider a babysitter, or simply make a plan that better suits your family.

2. Be ConsistenT

If late nights are unavoidable, incorporate a rest time and maintain a normal bedtime routine. If traveling, pack a pillow, blanket, or another familiar object that your child associates with sleep to help your child rest in the car. Just as important, turn off all electronics to avoid the negative impact on sleep that the blue-white light emissions from a tablet or smartphone have.

3. Relax

There’s no doubt about it - holidays can be a lot of fun; however the excitement from toys and relatives often leaves kids over-stimulated. The transition to bedtime will go more smoothly if you squash the urge to keep playing and insist on time to wind down. Put away toys (and screens!), dim the lights, then read a book or listen to quiet music to settle.

4. Get Back On Track

If over the holidays, bedtime shifted later than usual, gradually bump it earlier (by 15 minutes a night) until your family regains a healthy bedtime. Routines equal normalcy. The more regular the sleep routine, the better they’ll sleep. The better your children sleep, the happier the holidays!

Libbie Zimmer is the Head of Lower School at Sanford School, a Preschool - 12 private school in Hockessin, Delaware.