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Kids couldn’t care less about your bedtime chart.
Sleep is a hot-button issue among parents, with the ongoing debate about the ideal bedtime for children depending on their age. Numerous charts have popped up online, each trying to provide clarity on the subject. However, because bedtime is influenced by countless factors, many parents simply roll their eyes at the so-called “expert” recommendations.
The latest chart making waves on social media comes from the parenting page Creative Child Magazine, and let’s just say reactions are all over the place. Starting at age two—because really, expecting a consistent bedtime before that is quite comical—the chart suggests increasing bedtime by 15 minutes for each year until kids reach 18. Seriously, does anyone actually enforce a bedtime for an 18-year-old?
Responses to this chart range from “Absolutely, I’m on board with this” to “THIS IS ABSURD, I’M THROWING THIS CHART IN THE FIRE AND VOWING TO TAKE REVENGE ON WHOEVER DREW IT.” Okay, maybe we’re being a bit dramatic, but bedtime discussions can really ignite passionate feelings among parents. This is because, honestly, no single approach fits every family—or even every child. Just because your little one needs to hit the hay before nightfall doesn’t mean it’s wrong for another child to be up and about until 10:00 pm, happily awake by dawn.
There are countless factors to consider when determining an appropriate bedtime. For instance, the time parents return home in the evening plays a significant role. When I was working a conventional job and didn’t get back until after 6 pm, there was no way I could get my two-year-old bathed, fed, and tucked into bed by 7 pm. And let’s not forget about the importance of spending quality time with a parent who arrives home later or juggling evening sports and activities. Plus, some preschoolers who nap at daycare simply can’t fall asleep any earlier than 9:00, regardless of what the magical chart dictates.
That’s why, while bedtime charts can offer a general idea for parents trying to gauge whether their child might benefit from more or less sleep, they are far from a universal solution. Some children require a lot of sleep, while others thrive on very little. My oldest could sleep through a marching band, while my younger one is up and ready to conquer the world by 7 am most days.
Ultimately, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer to bedtime for kids. Each family must find what works for them and their little ones, without worrying if it fits neatly into someone else’s chart. After all, when have kids ever cared about what a chart says about anything?
This article was originally published on Aug. 14, 2017.
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Summary:
Parents are reacting with laughter and frustration to a viral bedtime chart that suggests bedtimes based on age. The chart has sparked debate, as families recognize that bedtime is influenced by various factors unique to each household. Ultimately, there’s no perfect formula, and every family must find their own rhythm without worrying about external guidelines.
Keyphrase: Bedtime chart reactions
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