Help Kids Stick to Bedtime Routine Through Holiday Break

Changes in routine can shortchange children’s sleep during the holidays, so a sleep medicine expert offers some advice for parents.

Keep your youngsters’ sleep times consistent, said Jodi Mindell, a clinical psychologist at Saint Joseph’s University in Philadelphia.

“As much as possible, be sure to stick to your child’s usual sleep schedule — both bedtime and nap times,” she said in a university news release.

“Of course, there will be exceptions, such as for family holiday gatherings, but try not to make the exception more than one or two nights in a row. If there are too many days of being off schedule, you can expect meltdowns,” Mindell added.

It’s also important to maintain normal bedtime routines.

“If every night is usually a bath and a story in bed, then do a bath and a story in bed, even on holiday nights,” Mindell said.

Read more at www.healthfinder.gov