When our children are babies and preschoolers, we parents know how important those naps are! Many of us become so in tune with our tiny children that we know the minute they start to fuss or get crabby that it is time for the anticipated nap or at least some rest time. As our kids get older, and their homework load increases, and their activities become like a second job—we might forget that they still need plenty of sleep. Many behavior issues—both at home and at school—can be traced back to lack or shortage of sleep.
I really notice how the school and activity and sleep schedules of my teenagers affect their behavior. The truth is, teens need a great deal of sleep, and most of them aren’t getting it. Look at how, when left to his own devices, the average teenager will sleep for 10 or 11 hours! During the summer, my kids stayed up later, sure, but they were still getting 9 or 10 hours of sleep—this is far more sleep than the school-year schedule seems to allow. By late elementary school years, many kids are having to adjust to much less sleep than they actually need for optimal health.
It can seem like we are babying or making excuses, but if a child is acting out, being snarky and crabby, or “veging” in front of the television, she might just be tired. Think of how cranky you feel at work when you haven’t gotten enough sleep the night before. Live like this for a few days, and you might be fit to be tied! We expect a lot of our kids in terms of performance and behavior, while they are still growing bodies and minds. They need their sleep and shaving hours off an older kids sleep schedule can definitely influence and affect his or her behavior.
Also: Eating Habits Change
Getting Enough Sleep Should Be a Priority