Sunday Sleep Dilemma

Q: Are bedtimes with my 9 year old still important? Don't they know when they are ready to go to sleep?

A: I taught fifth grade for many years. During my time teaching, numerous parents had decided that by fifth grade their child was ready to be responsible for himself. And time and time again they weren't. Our kids need us to guide them and make the decisions for them that they are not mature enough to make. This includes when to go to bed.

Please take the time to explain why they need 10-11 hours of sleep enough. Make it a math problem and have them figure out when there bedtime is, but enforce it. It is important.