Earlier Bedtime for Kids Makes Mom and Dad Happier and Healthier

We really didn't need a study conducted by the Australasian conference Sleep DownUnder to understand that kids with earlier bedtimes usually make for happier kids - which leads to happier moms - which leads to happier families.

Research at the conference found that parents who put their children to bed before 8:30PM allows parents to focus more on their own obligations and gives Mom and Dad more alone time, making a more balanced life.

The study followed 3,600 children through the first nine years of their lives and the results showed that mothers who put their children to bed before or at 8:30PM, had better mental health then mothers who put their children to bed at a later bedtime.

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These are not surprising results according to Dream Team Baby in Manhattan. The time leading up to bedtime for your child can be stressful, so putting your little one to bed earlier allows for Moms and Dads to relax, maybe watch some TV and have their own 'shutting-down' time.

According to the research, earlier bedtimes benefit the child, too. Those with bedtimes before 8:30PM were able to get more sleep, which is needed for a higher health-related quality of life.

But what about the parents who aren't able to get home from work early enough to balance an earlier bedtime with spending time with their children? The study says parents may have to get creative and maybe try having more family time in the morning before work or school. Yes, this time can often be more hectic, but with careful planning, parents just might be able to make the most out of morning family time.

Source: Yahoo Parenting