We’ve all seen the meme: “When I was a kid, I couldn’t wait to get older so I could stay up as late as I wanted. Turns out, that’s 10 p.m.” No truer words have ever been spoken. I’ve always been a bit of a night owl, but the older I get, the more I look forward to crawling into my cozy bed at the end of the day.
That said, I’m not someone who falls asleep the moment my head hits the pillow. I have a whole routine that involves a little reading and—don’t judge—some mindless television. I don’t even need the volume loud enough to hear, and it must be a rerun of something I’ve seen a hundred times. There’s just something about the glow of the TV and the muffled sounds that sends me right off to dreamland. I always set the sleep timer so it turns off shortly after. You won’t find this version of sleep hygiene in any medical journal, and I don’t recommend it for anyone else, especially not my kids, but it works for me—and I usually sleep like a baby.
Children, on the other hand, can be much harder to convince that bedtime is a good idea. When my girls were younger, I was that weirdo who loved the end of daylight saving time. Darker evenings made it so much easier to help them wind down and start their nighttime routine. Trying to convince a five-year-old to get ready for bed while the sun is still shining is no small task! And while my routine works for me, I didn’t want my girls inheriting my less-than-perfect sleep habits.
As we all know—and as Shannon Dean shares in this month’s feature, Short on Sleep: The Silent Sleep Crisis Affecting Kids—a good night’s sleep is essential for healthy growth and development in children (and adults!). Dean’s article also offers practical tips we can all try to improve our sleep routines and turn bedtime from a nightmare into a dream.
Another big milestone many parents face is choosing a childcare center or preschool. Leaving your child in someone else’s care for the first time can be an emotional experience. However, once everyone settles in, it can be a wonderful and positive chapter for both parents and children. For helpful guidance, be sure to read Rebecca Hastings’ feature, 7 Simple Tips for Finding the Perfect Preschool. Once you’ve created your checklist of must-haves, flip over to the Child Care & Preschool Guide, where you’ll find a directory of local daycares, preschools, and Mom’s Day Out programs. As I say every year, child care is not one-size-fits-all—take the time to research and find the best fit for you and your child.
February is also an exciting time because it’s Mardi Gras season! When you turn to the Family Calendar this month, you’ll find not only plenty of family-friendly events and activities, but also local Mardi Gras parades and celebrations. So grab your calendar and laissez les bons temps rouler!
Wishing you and your family a beautiful February!
Author: Lynn Knighton
Lynn has called the Gulf area home since 2006 with her husband Brad and their 3 daughters. Following the sale of her Abrakadoodle franchise, Lynn still wanted to serve families and help them thrive. Becoming the Publisher of Greater Pensacola Parents was the perfect opportunity. Now she invests into family's lives each month by providing the area's #1 go-to resource for moms and dads.
