A restful night’s sleep is crucial for children’s well-being and overall family dynamics. Pediatrician Dr. Rossome advocates for a 7:30 PM bedtime for his kids, emphasizing the importance of adequate sleep as recommended by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine. However, many parents challenge this guideline due to extracurricular schedules. Dr. Rossome acknowledges these concerns and suggests prioritizing consistent bedtimes on non-sports nights to maintain a healthy sleep routine.
A restful night’s sleep is essential for a productive day, a cheerful disposition, and quality moments with family. When we prioritize sleep, our overall experience of life improves significantly. Therefore, establishing a consistent evening and morning routine from an early age is vital, especially regarding bedtime decisions made by parents for their children.
Although it is advisable for children to go to bed early to maximize their sleep duration, adhering to this guideline can be quite challenging. Various factors, such as parents’ work commitments and children’s extracurricular activities, can complicate bedtime routines. A well-known pediatrician active on social media has highlighted the importance of maintaining a regular bedtime for children, although the suggested time has raised some eyebrows and sparked debate among parents.
Ideal Bedtime Recommendations from a Pediatrician
In a recent TikTok video, Dr. Rossome, a pediatrician and father of four, shared his insights on the optimal bedtime for children. He emphasized that he aims for all his children, aged 7 to 15, to be prepared for bed by 7:30 PM every night.
He elaborated on his reasoning: ‘This often allows us to put the younger ones to sleep around 7:30 PM and prepares the older ones to retire between 8 PM and 8:30 PM.’ Dr. Rossome expressed concern over the tendency of many American families to overlook the significance of adequate sleep for children. The American Academy of Sleep Medicine recommends that children aged 6 to 12 get between 9 and 12 hours of sleep each night, while adolescents aged 13 to 18 should aim for 8 to 10 hours.
Debate Over Realistic Bedtime Guidelines
Following his video, Dr. Rossome received a flurry of comments from viewers who questioned the practicality of his recommended bedtime. Many parents voiced their challenges, saying things like, ‘My 14-year-old son has baseball practice until 7:30 PM,’ and ‘My 15-year-old plays hockey until 9:30 PM. After practice, he still needs to shower and have a snack.’ Others remarked that expecting a 15-year-old to sleep at 8 PM felt more like a fantasy than a feasible reality.
In response, the pediatrician acknowledged these concerns: ‘I understand this is a common situation, as my children are also involved in various sports. That’s why, on nights without sports, we prioritize sticking to these bedtimes. This way, when they have to stay up later for events, they won’t experience significant disruptions in their sleep schedule.’ He also recommended that parents consider their children’s sleep needs when choosing extracurricular activities.