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Living > Public Health, Safety

Routine and Sleep - Helping Children Cope with Stress

In the evening, children benefit from some winding-down time by reading or talking. This helps them get to sleep more easily. A regular bedtime routine lets a child know what will happen next.

A routine may include:

  • a time to settle down
  • a time to get ready for bath or bedtime and a time to be in bed
  • children can take part in their bedtime routine by deciding what pajamas to wear, whether to have a bath or shower or what story to read at bedtime
  • give children notice before they have to start getting ready for bed
  • as children get older, they may develop their own routine
  • even at the age of eight or nine, most children still want to be tucked in and given a kiss goodnight
  • avoid watching TV or watching a movie too close to bedtime

*Children do not function well when they are tired. Not having enough sleep contributes to feelings of stress or irritability and a lack of energy or enthusiasm.

Click here for more information on Bedtime Routines from the Niagara Region Public Health Department.

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