This review of the valuable book The 7 O'Clock Bedtime by Inda Schaenen (Regan Books, 2001) is written by Nancy Foster, a Waldorf early childhood teacher at Acorn Hill Waldorf Kindergarten and Nursery in Silver Spring, Maryland.
"Early to bed, early to rise, makes a child healthy, playful, and wise." Thus reads the cover of The 7 O'Clock Bedtime by Inda Schaenen. As a Waldorf early childhood teacher, I have heard so many parents bemoan the difficulties of getting their children to bed at night, and I have observed so many tired, cranky children who seem obviously sleep-deprived. In this sensible, funny, poignant, and, above all, helpful book, Inda Schaenen goes beyond anecdotal evidence to present studies that document the sleep requirements of infants and children, and also the results of inadequate sleep.
Ms. Schaenen also describes convincingly and enticingly the benefits to the adults of the household when children are put to bed early in the evening. Many parents of toddlers and young children can scarcely remember what it was like to sit down with a good book in the evening, early enough to read without immediately falling asleep themselves; to have peace and quiet in a tidy house; to have time for adult conversation. . . Yet this author claims to have these opportunities every single night!
What is her secret? Ms. Schaenen is uncompromising in giving priority to her children's need for enough sleep, so that they can face the world each morning with strength, calm, and energy for the day ahead, and go to sleep peacefully each night before they fall apart physically and emotionally. This priority dictates the way she organizes the daily life of the family, and affects every part of the day. In a wonderfully undogmatic and practical way, she makes suggestions that can be adapted to a particular family's situation. She touches on almost every aspect of family life - working parents, children of different ages, special occasions, naptime, snacks, homework, after-school activities (keep them to a minimum!), outdoor play, story time, and meals. Through sharing her own trials and learning experiences as a new parent, Ms. Schaenen helps the reader to see that changes can be made even if a difficult pattern has already been established. She is encouraging without promising the impossible; even she, it seems, can have a bad day now and then!
The approach offered by this author is very congruent with the ideals of Waldorf early childhood education. She advocates a daily rhythm which is attuned to the physical, social, and emotional needs of the child, and points out the essential role of adult responsibility in setting priorities and ensuring, lovingly and firmly, that the rhythm is followed and expectations are met.
My own children had an early bedtime, with the kind of rituals leading to "good-night" which are advocated by Ms. Schaenen. I can vouch for the benefit of this approach, and recommend this book with wholehearted enthusiasm. The only part of the book I cannot vouch for in the same spirit is the recipes she offers for quick family dinners. I tried out only one of them, but I am afraid it was not a big hit at our house. Other than that, I can only say - please do read this book. Then do what she suggests. You will be glad you did! --Nancy Foster
Finally a book I can tell my friends to read! I have not read the book (I will pursue it this week) but it describes so many things we embrace. I put our three children (7yr, 3yr, & 9 months) to bed at 7 every night. We start our bedtime routine after dinner. Dishes, a ten minute tidy time, pajamas on by 6:30, teeth brushed and in bed for stories at 6:40. When the lights are out by 7 pm, I scan the house for anything that needs to be picked up or ready for the next morning.
By 7:30 I am knitting or reading a book. My husband reads and we rub each others feet. It is a wonderful life and I don't feel deprived of my own personal time. As a homeschooling mom, I need this time of quiet calmness that refreshes my entire being. I encourage all parents to get their children to bed early. It is a blessing!
Plus our children are not cranky because of sleep deprivation. They sleep twelve hours and are fully rested and ready for our day. I personally think that they sleep so well because we do not have a tv, we are an active family, and we have a healthy rhythm to our day.