Getting a good night's rest is so important, especially as we move full force into the school year. But could your child's bedroom be doing more harm than good? According to Professional Organizers in Canada, the way your child's room is organized could be causing them to miss out on restful sleep.
In a study conducted by Professional Organizers in Canada, respondents stated that their child's bedroom was the least organized room in their home.
"Many parents believe that a bedtime routine will help their child's sleep, but often times you need more than just a routine," says Marie Potter, marketing director for Professional Organizers in Canada. "Organizing your child's bedroom can help them get that extra rest, and create the sense of security they should feel in their own room."
Children seven to 12-years-old need 10 to 11 hours of sleep per day while kids 12 to 18 need 8 to 9 hours per day. Help your child get the most of their sleep by following the rules below.
Ban electronics
The humming noise that electronics give off can be a big distraction for children -- especially light sleepers! For older children, electronics also pose an opportunity to play games. Organize your electronics in a separate room to avoid having your child get stimulated.
Create a serene space
The bedroom should act as a sanctuary for your child. Try staying away from busy colours or patterns, and choose furniture that is inviting. Pale colours, pastels or neutrals are ideal. Consider soft lighting to ease the transition from being alert to inducing sleep. Avoid mirrors as the reflection increases the visual energy in the room and can be startling if a child wakes and sees their reflection.
Create a book bin
Reading is a way to shift into sleep mode. It focuses the mind and can lead to a natural nodding off. Part of the nighttime routine can include questions of "what do you want to read?" and steering them toward a book bin near their bed. Be sure to have your child rotate books to keep fresh.
Keep toys away from the bed
The sight of a favourite toy or game can be exciting and often stimulate the brain. Organize your child's toys so that they are in a closed bin, ottoman, or dresser -- a place that isn't visible from the bed. Better yet, try to establish a play zone outside of the bedroom if space allows.
Don't overlook bed placement
Many psychologists suggest that the bed should have a view of the door, without being directly in front of the door. It's based on a protection instinct where this placement helps the child feel like they can see everything that is going on, and makes them feel more secure as they sleep - a confidence that is important to nurture at a young age.
The bedroom is an importance place in your child's life - it's the first space they call their own, it's where they learn to be independent and, perhaps most important, where they get their much needed sleep. Furthermore, good sleep routines are associated with higher performance at school - an important fact to consider as we get closer into the school year.
In addition to the above tips, organize the bedroom with your child's sleep habits in mind, and ask them what items they find distracting. Remember that small changes to your child's bedroom can make all the difference!
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