The Importance of Bedtime Routines for Children

Bedtime routines are important for children to be sure they get the proper amount of sleep. Why? A growing child needs a certain amount of sleep each night in order for their brains to develop properly. A 7 year old needs no less than 10 hours of sleep every night. Proper sleep is vital for keeping a healthy immune system. Lack of sleep leads to being more prone towards colds, flu, H1N1, as well as other illnesses.

Sleep is also when the brain processes any new information that was taken in during waking hours. This information is processed and stored in the brain as long-term memory. Childhood is full of constantly learning new things about the world, and so there is that much more for the brain to process. Sleep helps children to learn and remember everything that they have taken in since the last time they slept.


Daddy and Madison at bath time.

In our home, Cedric and I alternate putting the kids to bed each night. No matter what occurs we stick to our bedtime schedule has close as possible. After all, we have a first grader who needs to store everything she's learned from school in her long-term memory!!! Our routine consists of bath time, cleaning up their room from playing prior to bath, story time, saying prayers and lastly, hugs/kisses and then tucked into bed.


Do you have a bedtime routine for your family?



Michelle Macon, Program Coordinator