Experts agree: earlier bedtimes contribute to healthier and happier kids. Parenting advice is everywhere, and I’m sure you’re overwhelmed by it all. But if you can bear with me for a moment, I want to share a nugget of wisdom: pay attention to those self-assured friends who swear by sleep training.
I don’t often offer parenting tips because my approach can best be described as “default parenting.” This is when you experiment with various parenting trends, fail at most, and ultimately do what feels right—by default. However, one piece of advice I truly regret ignoring is sleep training my children. Trust me, the toll it took on my sanity was steep.
This realization was reignited after I read an article titled “In Defense of Absurdly Early Bedtimes.” As if anyone needs convincing that crashing on the couch solo is far more appealing than dealing with parenting responsibilities deep into the night. The author, Mia Harper, a science journalist with a parenting column, consistently has her kids asleep by 7:30 PM, and she credits this for her happiness. Research backs her up, suggesting that children who hit the sack early are not only more focused and well-rested but also generally happier and smarter.
Mia analyzes various studies, showing the significant impact early bedtimes have on children’s development. For instance, kids aged 8 to 12 who went to bed an hour earlier were found to have improved short-term memory, working memory, and attention skills compared to their peers who had later bedtimes. Another study highlighted that toddlers with early bedtimes were 62 percent less likely to face attention issues and 81 percent less likely to exhibit aggression by age 8.
It turns out that early bedtimes not only enhance children’s sleep quality but also provide essential restorative sleep. Plus, they do wonders for parental sanity. Picture this: enjoying a quiet glass of wine or snuggling with your partner to watch a movie, uninterrupted. Sounds delightful, right? I can’t be the only one who’d rather not struggle with bedtime battles while dreaming of a peaceful evening.
Let me tell you, that adorable infant you can’t bear to let cry will eventually transform into a toddler who tests your patience nightly. When my first child was three, he still needed to sleep in a pack-n-play, as he’d roam around his room endlessly if given the chance. Believe me, I’m not exaggerating. Each night, I’d put him to bed at 8:00 PM, only for him to chat to himself for two and a half hours. He’s five now and still does it! Thankfully, my daughter has an earlier bedtime because by the time she arrived, I had learned my lesson the hard way.
When I first attempted the cry-it-out method with my four-month-old, I rushed in, whispering “I’m sorry” through my tears as I listened to his heartbreaking sobs. I never looked back after that.
I’m not afraid to admit when I’ve made a mistake, and this is one of those moments. There’s a wealth of research supporting the benefits of early bedtimes for kids. Start establishing a consistent schedule when they’re infants, and you’ll find yourself enjoying peaceful nights in the future, perhaps catching up on your favorite shows instead of reading the same bedtime story for the hundredth time. For more insights, check out this engaging post on Cervical Insemination.
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In summary, heed the advice of those who advocate for sleep training. The benefits are numerous, not just for your children but for your own peace of mind. Embrace those early bedtimes, and you’ll be thanking yourself in the long run!
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