It happens all the time: the kids have been having fun all day, running around, jumping, but it’s time to end everything. The day is coming to an end, and you worry about telling the kids that it’s time to stop having fun, to put everything away, to settle down and prepare. You don’t even want to mention the word, but you have to, every night… it’s time to SLEEP.

Sleep has a horrible reputation with kids because it means that their fun has to end. It means that the laughter, the joy has to stop. That is why, for kids, sleep is synonymous with something boring and a waste of time. In many homes, it’s also accompanied by yelling, repeating the same commands, and sometimes even arguments—bargaining whether they can get 5 or 10 more minutes. Those 5 to 10 more minutes of playtime, video game time, or television time are the ways kids bargain to prolong the day, reducing any last-minute regrets of not realizing that the day has its limits and perhaps they did not appreciate every second of it. Sleep, seen this way, is evil because it ends the positive time. Sleep is also boring because you don’t do anything during that time; some kids may even think it’s unproductive.

It doesn’t have to be that way, though. As parents, one of the most important things we can do for our kids is develop a Positive Perspective about sleep. The way we talk to our kids about sleep has to be positive—something that they look forward to because they know it has benefits. Kids who grow up seeing sleep as something positive will continue to see it that way when they become adults.

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Sleep as a Giver
To help kids see sleep as something positive, we need to talk about sleep in a cheerful manner. Sleep does not end the fun; sleep allows you to rest from all the fun you’ve had throughout the day, so you can repeat it again the next day. Without sleep, you’re not able to repeat the fun and excitement of the current day because you need energy to do so. Sleep gives you energy, and it also gives you the positivity to enjoy that energy. Sleep also helps with controlling your emotions better (Emotional Regulation). Sleep is a Giver because it gives you what you need to enjoy the day.

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Sleep as a Healer
Sleep is very positive, like a doctor, healing you from everything that happened during the day. If you got hurt, if you’re tired, if your muscles are aching from so much fun and running around—don’t worry, sleep will heal you. When you are healed, you will be able to have fun again the next day, or just be able to enjoy it as much. You won’t need medication or a visit to a real doctor for those minor aches or small infections because you’re getting enough sleep—sleep is healing you. In addition to healing, sleep helps your bones, muscles, and organs grow stronger and healthier.

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Sleep as a Teacher
Sleep is great because it also helps you remember things better. You won’t forget all the fun and excitement you had because you’re getting enough sleep. Sleep helps you with your memory; it helps you concentrate and learn more efficiently in school or at home. Because you had enough sleep, your brain will be able to enjoy the next day and will be prepared for anything life throws at it, facing it with an optimistic perspective, enabling it to go beyond what it is called to do.

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In Conclusion
Yes, kids will still fight the idea that sleep cuts off their fun, but helping them refocus on the idea that sleep is a positive thing will bring great benefits for parents and especially for the kids. If parents can do this from the earliest time possible for their kids, the pushback will be small and won’t provoke constant arguments and bargaining. If kids can see sleep as a Giver, Healer, and Teacher, they will look forward to sleep and won’t fight to stay awake, even when they’re already in bed.