Sleeping and Resting Issues for Kids Aged 6 to 12
Promoting healthy sleep habits in children aged 6 to 12 is crucial for their overall well-being. From a Christian perspective, the following seven books can assist parents, grandparents, and guardians in fostering restful sleep patterns:
Recommended Books
- The Sleep Fairy by Janie Peterson: A faith-based bedtime story teaching children the importance of restful sleep through relatable storytelling. [LINK to Audiobook/Hardcopy]
- Good Night, God by Holly Bea: Offers beautifully illustrated bedtime prayers, connecting children with faith and tranquility before bed. [LINK to Audiobook/Hardcopy]
- God Gave Us Sleep by Lisa Tawn Bergren: Emphasizes sleep as a divine gift, fostering trust in God and calming nighttime routines. [LINK to Audiobook/Hardcopy]
- The Bedtime Sh’ma by Sarah Gershman: Incorporates faith-based prayers and rituals for calming pre-sleep practices. [LINK to Audiobook/Hardcopy]
- 5-Minute Modern-Day Christian Bedtime Stories by Savannah Bloom: Engages children with relatable stories and prayerful reflections promoting relaxation and faith. [LINK to Audiobook/Hardcopy]
- Bible Stories for Bedtime by Daniel Partner: A collection of inspiring Bible stories to nurture faith and peaceful sleep routines. [LINK to Audiobook/Hardcopy]
Beneficial Supplements
- Melatonin: 0.5–3 mg 30 minutes before bedtime. Supports sleep regulation. [LINK]
- Magnesium: 50–200 mg daily. Aids muscle relaxation and sleep quality. [LINK]
- Omega-3 Fatty Acids: 250–500 mg of EPA and DHA daily. Improves brain health and sleep regulation. [LINK]
- Vitamin D: 400–1,000 IU daily. Supports circadian rhythm regulation. [LINK]
- Lavender: Use as aromatherapy before bedtime. Promotes relaxation and better sleep. [LINK]
- Valerian Root: 50–100 mg before bed. Encourages relaxation and improved sleep quality. [LINK]
- L-Theanine: 50–200 mg daily. Reduces stress and promotes calmness. [LINK]
Informative Websites
- KidsHealth: Offers sleep tips and age-specific sleep recommendations for children.
- HealthyChildren.org: Provides evidence-based advice on bedtime routines and sleep hygiene.
- SleepFoundation.org: Features tools and resources for promoting healthy sleep in children.
- CDC: Sleep in Children: Shares practical tips on improving sleep quality for children.
- AAP: Healthy Sleep Habits: Offers expert advice and guidelines for pediatric sleep health.
- National Sleep Foundation: Educates children and parents about the importance of sleep with interactive tools.
- WebMD Children’s Sleep Health: Features articles and expert guidance on pediatric sleep concerns.
Insightful TED Talks
- Sleep is Your Superpower by Matt Walker: Explains the critical role of sleep for children’s cognitive and emotional development.
- The Brain-Changing Benefits of Exercise by Wendy Suzuki: Discusses how physical activity enhances sleep and brain function.
- The Brain Benefits of Deep Sleep by Dan Gartenberg: Shares techniques to optimize deep sleep for overall health.
- Why School Should Start Later by Wendy Troxel: Advocates for appropriate sleep patterns in children and teens.
- The Hidden Power of Smiling by Ron Gutman: Explores relaxation and positive emotions for better sleep.
- How to Succeed? Get More Sleep by Arianna Huffington: Emphasizes the importance of prioritizing sleep from an early age.
- The Art of Stillness by Pico Iyer: Promotes mindfulness and calm bedtime routines for improved sleep
With these resources, parents, grandparents, and guardians can instill healthy resting and sleeping patterns in children, laying the foundation for lifelong wellness. Sweet dreams!