Sleep is always a popular topic in early childhood. Adults often talk about being short on it, and parents often struggle to help their children rest at night. Research routinely shows that children do not receive enough sleep, sometimes by as much as a couple of hours per night. Sleep deprivation is linked to a number of issues in children, including a greater risk for obesity, impaired memory and attention, susceptibility to illness, and poor academic performance. Experts recommend that children ages 0 to 5 sleep 10-16 hours a day, including naps. How can we best support children in developing and maintaining good sleep habits? Below are five habits to help you set the stage.

Continue reading →