Parent Resources

Getting Enough Sleep | The Importance of Family Time | Information on Video Games
Getting Enough Sleep
Experts in the field of sleep and sleep disorders note that children between the ages of seven and eleven should get at least NINE hours of sleep each night. This sleep helps the children feel refreshed, happy, and attentive during the school hours? and thus better students. When children are consistently sleep deprived, experts say it not only negatively affects their health, but it can also make it harder for them to control their behavior. Listed below are some tips for healthful sleep:
  • Establish a reasonable bedtime. Most elementary school children should be going to bed by 9 p.m. Some children who require more sleep might need an earlier bedtime.
  • Allow sufficient time to wind down before bedtime. Children should not be engaging in intense activities, such as watching television, playing video games, or using the computer, right before they go to bed. They need about an hour of down time to prepare to fall asleep. Such relaxing activities as taking a bath or reading a story can help children fall asleep more easily.
  • Provide a quiet sleeping area that is conducive to sleep. Maintain a consistent nightly routine. Children should go to bed at the same time every night, including weekends.
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The Importance of Family Time
According to a recent survey by the National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse at Columbia University (CASA), children who eat dinner with their families every night of the week are 20 percent less likely to drink, smoke, or use illegal drugs. By contrast, children who don?t eat dinner with their families are 61 percent more likely to use alcohol, tobacco, or illegal drugs. These outcomes don?t occur because your spaghetti and meatballs are so wonderful; instead they happen due to the quality of the family time. It is a time where all the electronic distractions are turned off and family members come together to discuss events, stories, and ideas. It is a quiet and calm time where children learn the rules for conversing, listening to others, and contributing to a conversation. Further, it gives the children a sense of comfort in sharing issues and problems. Should something serious arise where they need your help and guidance, they will already have the comfort, the time, and the place to speak with you. Daily family time provides our children with a sense of belonging, which is such a crucial need for everyone. [Back to Top]
Information on Video Games
Included is a list of the ten Most Violent video games from year 2004. [Back to Top]

 


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Last Updated: March 24, 2008
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Ms. Cheryl Day and Ms. Julie Carnes