Sleep Time!
Sleep is a basic human need. All humans require sleep to maintain levels of cognition, mood stability, memory and capacity for learning (Chehri et al., 2022). When your little one struggles with sleep, it can be a nightmare. Getting ready for sleep time can be daunting and difficult with littles ones. With some small efforts, establishing a sleep routine and positive sleep hygiene habits can help improve sleep for the whole family.
Chehri, A., Taheri, P., Khazaie, H., Jalali, A., Ahmadi, A., & Mohammadi, R. (2022). The relationship between parents’ sleep quality and sleep hygiene and preschool children’sleep habits. Sleep Science, 15(03), 272-278.
Resources and Tools
Sleep Strategies for Children | Sleep Foundation Has easy to follow sleep hygiene strategies and tools for getting down to a feasible routine, and how to manage night-time wake ups.
Use the PDF below to make a wind down plan with your child to involve them in creation of a sleep routine.
Hygiene at Home
Healthy habits and routines start at home. As little ones become more independent, promoting healthy behaviors for long-term health and wellness is essential. Basics such as teaching hand hygiene, general infection prevention, and brushing teeth can improve long-term wellness and outcomes (Petermann-Rocha et al., 2023). Incorporating daily reminders for washing hands, covering sneezes and coughs and oral hygiene continues to foster independence and health.
Petermann-Rocha, F., Rao, N., Bala, M., Parshad-Asnani, M., Sifuna, A., Yousafzai, A., Ho, F., & Ip, P. (2023). Hygiene practices and early childhood development in the east Asia Pacific region: a cross-sectional analysis. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 20(4), 2798.
Resources and Tools
Help your child learn about germs and why we wash hands even when they don't "look dirty." The following video is great resource to remind kids about all the steps in handwashing.
Oral Health
Dental caries impact 40% of children age 2-19, making it one of the most common chronic diseases impacting children and adolescence (Krol & Whelan, 2023). Early dentist visits and prevention through daily teeth brushing is essential for preserving oral health and promoting healthy habits for the future.
Keeping Your Child's Teeth Healthy | Nemours KidsHealth This site has many helpful tips and tricks and information about oral hygiene and keeping your teeth healthy.
If you are experiencing financial barriers to finding a dentist, please talk to your doctor or community resource center. They are here to help!
Krol, D. M., & Whelan, K. (2023). Maintaining and improving the oral health of young children. Pediatrics, 151(1), e2022060417.