A Teachable Moment:
Movie Ratings Matter
Recently I was at a PG-rated movie with my 11-year-old and her friend. Behind us were two moms and a group of 4- to 6-year-olds. I had read reviews, which said the movie was not recommended for children under about 9 due to the "creepy, dark" theme. I mentioned this to these moms. "They'll be fine," was the dismissive reply.
They weren't. They were terrified--whining, asking to leave and disturbing the rest of us.
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Does more sleep make a child smarter and happier?
Actually sort of! A recent study found that teens who got more sleep got higher grades in school. The more sleep and the better quality sleep they had, the better they did in school. Another new study found that teens who went to bed earlier (by about 10p.m.) were less likely to be depressed and have suicidal thoughts than those who stayed up much later.
If your child is not yet a teen, you still have time to make sure that she or he starts healthy sleep habits now, which are likely to continue into adolescence. This won't happen without your help!
- Enforce a bedtime that results in at least 9 hours of sleep a night--follow through!
- Electronics (including TV) should be turned off at least 1/2 an hour before bedtime: they are over-stimulating
- Eliminate caffeine after about 4p.m.
- Keep a regular bedtime routine
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Invite Dr. Susan to Speak!
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