Good Day Everyone

And just like that we are at the end of the term.

Are your kids getting enough sleep? Several students have been coming into the chaplain’s room feeling tired and saying they are struggling to get to school due to lack of sleep. Their day will often result in having negative experiences at school and a decline in their behaviour.

 During chats with the chaplain students shared that they would generally go to bed at their required bedtime set by their parents but will then stay up without parents knowing till late at night playing games, watching you-tube or talking to friends in group chats.

Primary school students (ages 6-12) generally need 9 to 11 hours of sleep per night. This ensures they get enough rest to support their physical and cognitive development, helping them learn, focus, and manage their emotions, according to KidsHealth. 

Some helpful tips for parents:

• Have a set sleep time routine (can include having a shower, reading, listening to music)
• Keep all devices out of the room
• Charge all devices in a common area outside of bedrooms
• Check in on children before retiring to bed
• Have open discussions with kids about the importance of sleep
• Work together as a family- modelling good sleep practices are key

Fact: Blue light from televisions, computer screens, phones and tablets suppress melatonin levels and delays sleepiness.

Check out these great websites with free resources to help parents!

Happy holidays and Take Care!