Student Engagement & Wellbeing News

GO TO SLEEP!

Last edition of the newsletter started a couple of conversations. I had a chat with a parent recently that I bet is familiar to you all. Kids and the dreaded bed time challenges.

"Just one more book...""I need water...""I'm still hungry...""I need to tell you about..."

“Can you just stand at my door until I fall asleep…”

Sound familiar? These are the classic bedtime "negotiation" tactics that come from almost every household. It’s 5 minutes past bedtime, and suddenly, your child has a million reasons why it’s just impossible to go to sleep. Maybe your family is blessed with perfect little sleepers who don’t put up a fuss, but for many of us, the bedtime battle is real. The struggle was REAL for many years in my house.

But here’s the thing: sleep is way more important than we often realise. While your little one is sleeping, it’s not just about resting; their brain is doing some behind-the-scenes work; resetting, sorting and filing away all the information they’ve learned during the day, and replacing chemicals that keep them sharp.

Most kids don’t get enough sleep. Primary-aged children need about 9 to 11 hours of sleep each night. Of course, this number isn’t set in stone; some kids need more, others less. As a parent, you’ve probably figured out the sweet spot for your child (and yes, you’ve likely noticed when things start to go awry after a poor night’s sleep). When sleep is compromised, the next day can be rough. The result? A grumpy, groggy, clumsy child who can’t concentrate. It’s already hard for us adults to function on little sleep, so imagine how tricky it is for our little humans trying to focus at school. Little problems become BIG ones. And, of course, stress about those problems just makes falling asleep even harder. It’s a cycle — and we all know cycles are hard to break.

Circadian Rhythm.

That 24-hour cycle of light and dark that governs our sleep-wake patterns is influenced by many things — food, activity, stress, and yes, temperature.

Stick to a regular sleep schedule. Yes, even on weekends. Going to bed and waking up at the same time every day helps set a routine that their body will thank them for (and you too).
Create a bedtime routine. According to the Australian Parenting Website, bedtime routines are crucial at this age. They help your child unwind from the day. For example:
- 6:45 pm: PJs on, teeth brushed, toilet trip.
- 7:15 pm: Quiet time with a book, bedtime story, or a calming chat.
- 7:30 pm: Goodnight, lights out.
Avoid screen time before bed. The blue light from screens messes with our brain's ability to prepare for sleep. It tricks us into thinking we are not as sleepy as we actually are.
Diet and exercise matter too. A healthy body supports healthy sleep. A big meal right before bed? Not so much. A bit of active play during the day? Yes!

Of course, every child is different. What works for one might not work for another. If you’re finding that sleep is a constant struggle, don’t hesitate to have a chat with your GP — that’s what they’re there for! And remember, every now and then, sleep disruptions are just part of life. Don’t panic. Just keep the routine consistent and don’t be afraid to ask for help if you need it.

So, next time your little one tries to negotiate just one more thing before bed, remind them: sleep really is important — and, who knows, maybe tomorrow’s a day for more focus, less clumsiness, and definitely fewer meltdowns.

Anna Gbikpi-Benissan

Assistant Principal