by Joanne Chang (Founder of Owl Academy)
Children in Singapore these days sometimes lead lives that are more hectic than adults'. This is particularly so for teenagers. They rush from school to their CCAs and from their CCAs to enrichment lessons. When I taught at an enrichment centre, I often saw students still dressed in their school uniforms at night. Some had rushed to class without even one proper meal throughout the day. Over the years, I have asked my students what time they sleep. The replies are troubling... "1am if I'm lucky." The next day, they need to be up by 6+am. And this cycle is on repeat.
Thanks to the rising popularity of online lessons, students are able to enjoy some relief as they do not need to travel. They can enjoy more meals with the family. They are also able to sleep earlier as their beds are just a hop and a skip away. What else can parents do to help them?
Why is sleep so important for my teen?
Teens are at an important stage of their growth and development. As a result, they need more sleep than adults. The average teen needs about 9 hours of sleep each night to feel alert and well-rested. Without sufficient sleep, not only will your child have difficulty focusing during lessons, but your child might also lack the ability to self-regulate their emotions, impulses and mood.
How can I help my child get better quality sleep?
Check out the following guide from the Child Mind Institute for helpful tips.
