Sleeping and Resting Issues for Kids Aged 6 to 12
Creating healthy resting and sleeping patterns in children is vital for their physical, emotional, and mental development. Below are curated resources to help parents, grandparents, and guardians promote lifelong healthy sleep habits for children aged 6 to 12.
Recommended Books
- Sleep Like a Tiger by Mary Logue: A beautifully illustrated story that helps children understand sleep as a natural and enjoyable part of life. [LINK to Audiobook/Hardcopy]
- Bedtime Blessings by Marianne Richmond: A collection of calming bedtime prayers and stories to create peaceful routines and promote restful sleep. [LINK to Audiobook/Hardcopy]
- Lucado Treasury of Bedtime Prayers by Max Lucado: Offers comforting bedtime prayers, encouraging trust in God’s care for a peaceful night’s sleep. [LINK to Audiobook/Hardcopy]
- Goodnight, Manger by Laura Sassi: A gentle retelling of the nativity story, helping children relax and find comfort before bed. [LINK to Audiobook/Hardcopy]
- Jesus Calling: 365 Devotions for Kids by Sarah Young: Provides daily reflections that help children end their day with gratitude and peace. [LINK to Audiobook/Hardcopy]
- God Bless You and Good Night by Hannah C. Hall: Combines gentle rhymes and illustrations to foster gratitude and restful sleep. [LINK to Audiobook/Hardcopy]
- The Berenstain Bears Say Their Prayers by Mike Berenstain: Shows the Bear family’s bedtime prayer routine, teaching the value of ending the day with faith and trust. [LINK to Audiobook/Hardcopy]
Beneficial Supplements
- Melatonin: 0.5–3mg before bedtime; supports sleep regulation in children. [LINK]
- Magnesium: 80–200mg daily; promotes relaxation and better sleep quality. [LINK]
- Omega-3 Fatty Acids: 250–500mg EPA+DHA daily; aids brain development and sleep quality. [LINK]
- Lavender: Use as aromatherapy or a guided supplement under supervision; calms nerves and supports restful sleep. [LINK]
- Valerian Root: 50–100mg before bed; gently promotes relaxation and better sleep in children. [LINK]
- Chamomile: As tea or extract under guidance; reduces anxiety and prepares children for bedtime. [LINK]
- L-Theanine: 50–200mg; encourages relaxation without daytime drowsiness. [LINK]
Informative Websites
- National Sleep Foundation: Provides age-specific sleep guidelines and tips to create bedtime routines that support children’s development.
- KidsHealth: Offers articles on sleep disorders and tips for fostering healthy sleep habits in children.
- HealthyChildren.org: Features evidence-based guidance on sleep needs and solutions for common sleep challenges.
- CDC Children’s Sleep: Shares resources for creating a conducive sleep environment and promoting consistent bedtime routines.
- Sleep.org: Provides tools and strategies to help parents nurture their children’s healthy sleep habits.
- American Academy of Pediatrics: Offers expert advice on pediatric sleep health, including managing screen time and bedtime routines.
- Mayo Clinic – Children’s Health: Shares tips for promoting restful sleep and addressing sleep issues in children.
Insightful TED Talks
- Why We Sleep by Matthew Walker: Highlights the importance of sleep for children’s cognitive and emotional development.
- The Power of Restorative Sleep by Shannon Maynard: Explores the health benefits of quality sleep and how to create better bedtime habits for kids.
- The Brain-Changing Benefits of Exercise by Wendy Suzuki: Shows how exercise enhances sleep and brain health, encouraging activity for better rest in children.
- The Art of Stillness by Pico Iyer: Discusses the value of quiet moments and mindfulness in promoting calmness and better sleep for kids.
- How to Make Stress Your Friend by Kelly McGonigal: Provides insights into managing stress, which indirectly supports children’s sleep habits.
- How to Practice Emotional First Aid by Guy Winch: Emphasizes emotional care as a way to reduce anxiety and improve sleep routines in children.
- All it Takes is 10 Mindful Minutes by Andy Puddicombe: Teaches mindfulness techniques to help children relax and prepare for restful 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!