[homeworker]

I read that growth spurts happen to children during normal sleeping hours. But it did not say how many hours of normal sleep children really need. What do you think?

[webhouse]

Well, for adults, it's recommended to sleep eight hours a day (though personally I think six hours is enough). I am not sure about children. I think they need longer duration of sleep, like nine hours a day.

[Hamster]

It depends upon the age, and the amount needed drops as they get older. Newborns need 14 or more hours a day, where as a five year old will need 10-12 hours.

[craftymama]

I read the same thing children ages 6 to 9 need around 10 hours of sleep per night. Toddlers, ages 1 to 3 sleep 10 to 13 hours a night, and pre-teens and teens should get around 9 hours of sleep at night.

[Hamster]

Studies have shown that the vast majority of kids of all ages-even pre-schoolers don't get enough sleep. It affects their concentration, behaviour and their learning ability, so it is more than worth trying to get on top of this issue.

[homemaker]

Well especially as they get older it becomes harder and harder to get them to want to go to bed. I think part of this is because kids today are so inactive. If they went outside and ran around they might be tired at bedtime. My little one loves to be outside and I hope she stays that way.

[Hamster]

I think that especially as they get older it becomes more and more important to stand your ground. You know better than they do as to what they need-they would happily play till midnight if they have the choice.

[JennyP]

I know our 5 year old gets about 10 hours at night and then takes a 2 to 3 hour nap and needs every little bit of it. If he misses that nap he turns into one cranky little boy!

[Hamster]

Wow, a five year old that still naps! How does he cope with that at school? My daughter gave up naps just turned two, and went to sleeping all at night instead.