Culture Post: Study Defines Ideal Children’s Bedtime Routine

*The following is excerpted from an online article posted on MedicalXpress.

A study by a University of Manchester psychologist has scientifically defined for the first time what constitutes a good bedtime routine for children between the ages of 2 and 8.

The definition, agreed by 59 UK experts is published in PLOS One—one of the world’s leading scientific journals—and will provide welcome guidance to parents who want the best for their children at bedtime.

Funded by the Medical Research Council, the definition identifies 6 key areas:

  • Brushing teeth before bed.
  • Time consistency for going to bed.
  • Book reading before bed.
  • Avoiding food/drinks before bed.
  • Avoiding the use of electronic devices before bed.
  • Calming activities with the child before bed including bath, shower, and talking.

Dr. George Kitsaras who led the study said,

“Bedtime routines are important family activities and have important implications on children’s wellbeing, development, and health.

“Organizations as diverse as the Book Trust to the BBC and the NHS are all engaged in this debate- but up to now, there has been no real scientific consensus to inform them; we need to untie the conflicting signals and messages parents receive.

“Our definition considers the parental stresses and difficulties that might arise at bedtime while incorporating best practice and available scientific advice.

“This study for the first time provides that expert and scientific guidance.”

Dr. Kitsaras added: “All activities around bedtime matter for children’s development and wellbeing. From the wide range of activities around bedtime, our experts considered toothbrushing to be the most important to remember each night.”

Source: MedicalXpress
https://medicalxpress.com/news/2021-02-ideal-children-bedtime-routine.html

Find more culture news on HomeWord’s Culture Blog, named in 2020 for the fifth consecutive year, as one of the top 50 culture blogs on the planet!

Help us reach the next generation of families

Donate
Back to Top

[reposted by] Jim Liebelt

Jim is Senior Writer, Editor and Researcher for HomeWord. Jim has 40 years of experience as a youth and family ministry specialist, having served over the years as a pastor, author, consultant, mentor, trainer, college instructor, and speaker. Jim’s HomeWord culture blog also appears on Crosswalk.com and Religiontoday.com. Jim and his wife Jenny live in Quincy, MA.

  • About HomeWord

    HomeWord helps families succeed by creating Biblical resources that build strong marriages, confident parents, empowered kids and healthy leaders. Founded by Jim Burns, HomeWord seeks to advance the work of God in the world by educating, equipping, and encouraging parents and churches. Learn More »

  • Support Our Mission

    HomeWord is non-profit, donor supported ministry. If you would like to partner with HomeWord in our effort to help more parents and families you can make a donation. Your investment will allow us to expand this ministry by offering more resources to families and churches in need.

  • Contact Information

    • HomeWord
      PO Box 1600
      San Juan Capistrano, CA
      92693

    • Send us an email

    • 800-397-9725
      (M-F: 8:30am-5pm PST)

Close