Help Your Child Get Enough Sleep
Children are happier and learn better if they get enough sleep. School-aged children still need at least 10 to 11 hours of sleep a night. Bedtime should be at the same time every night. A quiet routine may help your child calm down before bed. Read a story or talk about his or her day. Say good night and let your child fall asleep on his or her own.
TV, Videos, and Games
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that school-age children spend no more than two hours per day in front of a screen. Too much time in front of TV, video games, tablets or phones, and the computer can limit the ways your child learns and may prevent him or her from getting enough physical activity.
There are rating systems for TV shows, movies, and video games. This can help you decide if a movie or game is OK for your child's age. However, it's best to watch with your child and talk about what he or she sees. Move TVs and computers into a family room. It's hard for you to know when and what he or she is watching when the TV or computer is in your child's room.
Visit Common Sense Media for information on and reviews of movies, games, and books
Play is Your Child's Job
Play is how your child learns about him or herself and the world. It even helps your child get ready for school! He or she needs many different kinds of play. Help your child find ways to use his or her whole body, especially his or her hands, brain, and imagination. Here are some easy, low-cost ideas:
Body
- Toss a ball or a Frisbee outside.
- Climb, run, and jump at the local park or playground.
Hands
- Put together puzzles with up to 50 pieces.
- String buttons or beads on yarn.
Brain
- Play simple card or board games.
- Read stories, share poems, and sing songs.
Imagination
- Draw pictures, color with crayons, and paint.
- Dress up in old clothes and act out a story.
Whatever your child is doing as he or she plays, remember that he or she still needs you to watch and help keep him or her safe.
Prepare Your Child for School
Help your child feel ready to start kindergarten. Visit the school with her before classes start. Talk about what to expect, like meeting new friends and learning new skills. Help your child practice getting ready for school on time. Visit www.dcyf.wa.gov/services/earlylearning-childcare/find-child-care for information on helping your child be ready for school.
Children in kindergarten are not old enough to walk to school or cross streets safely by themselves. Walking to school is a healthy and safe activity if your child has a trusted adult to go with him or her. If your child rides a bus, an adult should wait with him or her for the bus. Be sure an adult also meets your child at the bus after school.
Make sure your child has a healthy breakfast every day. This will give him or her energy to learn, be active, and stay healthy. Offer foods, such as fruit, a whole grain tortilla with cheese, eggs or beans, low sugar cereal and milk, toast, yogurt, or oatmeal. Make sure he or she has a healthy lunch and snacks at school as well.
Prepare Your Child's School
Talk with your child's teacher and others at school to help them learn about your child. For example:
- Visit your child's teacher and describe the things your child knows how to do and any special needs.
- Talk with the teacher throughout the year about what's going on in your child's life and how that might affect how he or she feels and acts.
- Volunteer at our child's school when you can.