Posted on 02/14/2018
While your child's health and happiness isn't entirely tied to what's on his or her night stand, there may be a pretty major connection! Both what is and isn't on your child's night stand can greatly influence the kind of healthy sleep he or she gets — which in turn translates into happiness. We started exploring how electronics can influence sleep in Part 1. Now we'll make some specific recommendations about what should and shouldn't be on your child's night stand.
Say No to Screens
It's no secret that kids have a hard time demonstrating self-control. If they have any electronics in the room, the temptation will probably be too great for them to resist. So it's best to remove all screens from their bedroom, at least when it's bedtime. We get it: taking away electronics or limiting screen time can seem like a way to invite some major conflict into your home. But if you're into choosing your battles, this one is definitely worth the effort. Limiting electronics and removing any screens from your child's room can greatly increase the amount and quality of sleep he or she gets each night.
Your child won't change overnight, but over a couple weeks, you'll notice an increase in his or her ability to focus as well as their more being likely to engage in physical activity and creative play. Even a few days of pouting will be worthwhile when it gives way to a happier, healthier child!
Say Yes to an Alarm Clock
Instead of an iPod or tablet, you could include a single-function alarm clock on your child's night stand. Just be sure that if the face glows, you turn it away from the bed. The glowing face could otherwise have an effect similar to a light-emitting screen, especially if your child wakens during the night and glances at it to see the time.
Say Yes to White Noise
Especially if your child's bedtime is earlier than that of others in your home, or your neighborhood is noisy, consider a white noise machine. Some noise-cancelling devices can double as alarm clocks, too, turning off at the wake time for a less abrupt awakening. Another potential source of background noise could be a small fountain, fan, or humidifier.
Especially if you don't have air conditioning, a fan can be helpful in cooling the room. Cooler temperatures are optimal for sleeping; the ideal temperature is between 60 and 67 degrees. And during the cold, dry winter months, humidifiers also help keep lungs and skin healthy. During warm, humid months, a dehumidifier can be used instead.
Say Yes to Happy Thoughts
A picture of someplace special or peaceful or other reminders of people or activities your child loves can do double-duty, providing both a decoration and a positive thought at the close of the day as well as the opening of another one. As long as the topics don't elicit stressful responses, paper books can also be included in your child's bedside stash.
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