APOSTOLIC News

How many hours should a teenager sleep? 

This is a good question and one I’m often asked by parents.  On average, most studies show that adolescents need about 9 hours of sleep per night.  

How do I get my busy teenage boy to sleep more? 

First, try to explain the importance of enough sleep to your child.  Some recent studies report that teens that do not get an average of 9 hours of sleep are more prone to depression and academic failure.  The lack of sleep affects everything; how they view themselves, the world and even their walk with God.  In addition, set clear and reasonable boundaries as to what time he will have to go to bed on school nights and what time he goes to bed on the weekends.  Help him be consistent with those times by being sure that everyone is home early enough so that he has time to get ready for the next day’s activities, eat, bathe, do his homework, chores, etc and get into bed on schedule.

My daughter says that she has a problem going to bed before midnight.  She just can’t sleep.  What can I do to help her?

First, limit any distractions that might be attributing to her inability to go to sleep.  Take the computer out of her room if this is a problem.  Another thought is to set limits on the time when she can no longer talk on the phone or send text messages.  Be sure the room is cool enough to sleep comfortably and help her eliminate any light or noise that may be keeping her from falling asleep and sleeping soundly.

My daughter has a lot of homework and works on it late into the evening.  This often keeps her up.  Any suggestions?

Yes, help her plan ahead.  If she is a procrastinator, then help her prioritize her assignments and do some of her work ahead of time. This may take some effort on your part, but in the long run it pays off.  You may spend an hour or so helping her with some of the assignments and save hours of frustration and anger later.   

Children are like wet cement. Whatever falls on them makes an impression.             Dr. Haim Ginott

Beth Baus is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and has a private practice in Riverside, California.  She teaches Christian Counseling and Psychology for Apostolic School of Theology/Hope International University. She attends Inland Lighthouse Church pastored by Rev. Larry Booker.  To visit her website, go to www.ourhealthyfamilies.org