Do away with this sleep myth
The subject of sleep is very complex, which is why we will be looking at it more often. So today it's part two. And we want to dispel a myth.
This myth is unfortunately very persistent and states that a child must have a certain amount of sleep time at a certain age. Attention, spoiler: This is total rubbish!
It starts as early as infancy. There are some who sleep 18 hours and some who only sleep ten hours. And both are still within the normal range. Then there are small children with three nap phases, some with two, others stop napping altogether at the age of two - and some don't even start taking a nap. And here too, everything is fine for everyone. With older children, the length of sleep is also individual.
So, take it easy and don't use the stopwatch. I always say to parents: the important thing is what comes out at the end. In other words:
How is your child in the morning? Does it get out of bed? Are they fit? Are they lively and active at nursery/school? Are they well behaved during the day?
If you were able to answer these questions with a clear "yes" as far as possible, your child's sleep balance is good.
But don't feel bad if you have assessed this incorrectly so far. That happened to me too. One of my three children has a lower sleep requirement than the other two. And it also took us a long time to realise that this child simply has to go to bed a little later, needs a little less sleep and is still very fit and balanced in life.
So today's message is: don't let anyone tell you any fairy tales or believe any myths. Develop a feeling for your child's sleep needs yourself. And then you will save yourself the odd worry - or even a sleepless night.
Further interesting tips
Blood test
Parents keep asking if we would like to do a blood test on their child. There are two main things to say about this.
Meningococcus II
Fortunately, meningococcal infections are very rare, but they can cause dangerous meningitis, for example. Everything you need to know about the clinical picture in Part I, here we look at what you need to know about vaccination.
Language development
Comparing children is rarely a good idea. But in one area, comparisons with others are even more stupid than they already are: language development. Because this is a very individual story. Nevertheless, there are of course a few pointers and tips. Not only the doctor knows this, but also Myriam Mayländer, speech therapist in Lorch.