A Can Do Mom

  A good school night routine is essential for kids. Without enough rest, children can struggle with learning, socializing, and behavior the next day. But let’s be honest — getting kids to bed on time is not always easy. That’s why in this post, I’m walking you through how to build and maintain a simple and effective nighttime routine for your child. One that sets them up for a great day at school. How Much Sleep Do Elementary School Kids Need? Before we talk routines, let’s first answer the big question: How much sleep should elementary-aged kids get? According to the CDC, children between the ages of 6 and 12 need about 9 to 12 hours of sleep each night. The younger they are, the closer they should be to the 12-hour mark. So if your child needs to wake up at 6:00 AM to get ready for school, they should ideally be asleep by 8:00 or 9:00 PM the night before. What Should a School Night Routine Include? Let’s break down the basics. A healthy evening routine should help your...

As the first generation of kids with unrestricted access to screens grows up, we’re beginning to see some very serious concerns arise. So it’s no surprise that more and more parents are looking for realistic ways to reduce screen time especially during the early years of development. Since I raised my daughters with regulated screen time, I thought I’d share what worked for us. I’ll also touch on some of the science behind why cutting back on screens is worth the effort. The Science Behind Reducing Screen Time for Kids Through decades of studies, real-life observation, and even self-reports from the generation that grew up with screens, researchers have identified several potential issues related to excessive screen use during childhood. Here are just a few: Disrupted Sleep Patterns The blue light emitted by screens can interfere with melatonin production, making it harder for children to fall and stay asleep. This, in turn, can affect mood, behavior, and learning. A Lack of Soc...

  Confidence building activities for kids can be a great way to prepare them for the real world and give them the tools they need to believe in themselves. That’s why I prioritized instilling confidence in my girls all throughout their childhood. So today, I’d love to share some confidence-building ideas with you, along with why they matter so much. Why is it important for kids to develop confidence? While it’s true that you can change your mindset at any point in life, it’s also true that learning helpful habits, positive thought patterns, and new skills early on can be incredibly valuable. A child’s brain is especially receptive when they’re young, which makes it the perfect time to develop these tools. If kids don’t build confidence during childhood, it can lead to struggles like: Lower school performance Missed opportunities to explore new hobbies or interests Unstable emotions as they move into adolescence How can you help children to be more confident? The good new...