Is Your Child Getting Enough Sleep?
I loved seeing this article (link in comments) pop up in my inbox from one of my favorite economists and voice of reason, Emily Oster. The main point: sleep is really, really important for reasons we don't entirely understand & getting too little sleep is bad for kids (and adults).
As we all know, there’s only 24 hours in a day and those hours pass by quickly (and also SO slowly in the baby years). Getting enough sleep is hard, especially given how much sleep babies and toddlers need in that 24 hour period:
0-3 months: 14-17 hours
3-11 months: 12-15 hours
1-3 years: 11-14 hours
3-5 years: 10-13 hours
Oster talks at length in a previous article about how there’s “no secret Option C;” complicated decisions often include less than ideal options, but there isn’t a secret third option waiting in the wings. We have to make decisions and trade-offs based on the current scenario at hand.
How does this apply to sleep? As Oster elaborates: “If you want to prioritize sleep, it may come at the expense of something else you also think is important.” To choose to prioritize sleep may mean giving up activities in the late afternoon / evening, switching to an earlier dinnertime so the kids have time to wind down before bed or having less time as a family before bed. These adjustments aren’t set in stone; as your child continues to grow and their sleep needs decrease, your schedule will shift and change. What this does mean is that you are setting your child up for success in sleep, ensuring they get enough rest, aren’t overtired and have all the energy they need each day.
Are you interested in helping your child sleep better, longer & more independently? Reach out to me or schedule a free consultation here so we can discuss how to ensure your child is getting enough sleep today and in the future by teaching them independent sleep skills.
