Keeping a Healthy Balance
Fast Fact
Adolescents tend to become sleepier later at night compared to before puberty. Add an irregular sleep pattern, and an adolescent could be at risk of developing a circadian rhythm sleep disorder, which makes it difficult to get enough sleep during the school week. An inadequate amount of sleep can impair the child’s ability to function during the day. If your child has difficulty falling asleep, appears to not get enough sleep or frequently doesn’t feel refreshed upon awakening, ask your family doctor or pediatrician for a referral to a pediatric sleep specialist at The Children’ s Hospital.
Children and teenagers have so many responsibilities. Between school and extracurricular activities, an overloaded schedule doesn’t just tire out the child — it can impact the whole family.
One major way overscheduling can impact kids is through their sleep. Adolescents need at least nine hours of sleep per night and children need even more, but maintaining successful sleep rhythms may require parental involvement.
“Parents recognize the role of adequate sleep when their children are babies, but a good night’s rest is a necessity at every age,” said Keith L. Cavanaugh, MD, pediatric pulmonary and sleep specialist at Children's Hospital Colorado. “Parents should establish an evening routine for children to promote good sleep habits, which may involve removing televisions and computers from bedrooms, and stick to it.”
Achieving the Right Balance
As a parent, it is important to recognize when your child is taking on too many activities. Keep in mind the following tips to ensure your child is keeping a well-balanced schedule:
- Before allowing your child to participate in a new activity, discuss it as a family to weigh the pros and cons, including the financial commitment involved.
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Set ground rules for participation. These may include ensuring your child maintains good grades and gets an appropriate amount of sleep.
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Make sure your child has plenty of free time. Children need to be able to enjoy themselves without rules or pressure to foster creativity and a healthy outlook.
For more information about keeping a balanced schedule for your child, search our site for more information on overscheduling.
