It seems like every week there’s a new study reminding parents of the obvious, and a recent one from CNN is no exception. This research suggests that children who hit the hay after 9 p.m. during their preschool years are more likely to struggle with obesity as teens. Great, just what we needed—another reason to feel guilty about our parenting choices.
The lead author, Dr. Emily Thompson, an associate professor at the University of Illinois, points out that preschoolers with earlier bedtimes were significantly less likely to be overweight as adolescents. This finding holds true even when considering other obesity-related factors. Thompson also highlighted the cognitive and behavioral benefits of adequate sleep, noting that consistent bedtime routines help reduce issues like difficulty falling asleep and nighttime disruptions.
In a rather unhelpful suggestion, one so-called sleep expert insists that bedtime should be non-negotiable. Cue the eye-roll. “Bedtime isn’t optional,” states Dr. Jake Miller from the Sleep Research Institute. But let’s be real: has he ever tried to enforce a bedtime with a four-year-old? Most parents know that negotiating with little ones is akin to negotiating with a seasoned diplomat.
We all understand that sleep is essential; telling us our kids need more of it is like saying vegetables are better than candy. We all want our kids in bed early so we can unwind with a bit of our favorite show, but the reality of parenting often gets in the way. Between work, dinner, and family time, by the time we settle down, it’s already late. And once the kids are in bed, there are always requests for water, complaints about itchy socks, or deep philosophical questions about whether dogs can understand Spanish.
Of course, the parenting perfectionists will latch onto this study. But let’s face it: we all enter this parenting journey with the best intentions. My first child went to sleep at a blissfully early 7 p.m. for a brief period, but juggling another child, a demanding job, and the chaos of life means we’re usually lucky if they’re asleep before the late-night talk shows start.
Parenting is a challenging adventure, and while we appreciate any practical advice, we really need less judgment. What would help us more are societal changes that support our parenting efforts, like better parental leave policies, less homework for kids, and more flexible job schedules. We don’t need more studies pointing out our shortcomings; we need a little understanding and practical help.
For more insights on navigating parenting and related topics, check out this article on our blog about home insemination. If you’re interested in further information about at-home insemination kits, visit Make a Mom for expert resources, and don’t forget to look at this Wikipedia page for an excellent overview of genetics and IVF.
In summary, while studies like these may highlight the importance of early bedtimes for kids, they also add to the pressure parents feel in an already challenging landscape. What we really need is support and understanding, not more reminders of what we might be doing wrong.