When it comes to sleep, all parents will tell you it is a contentious issue. From trying to get the little ones off to bed, dealing with nightmares and persuading them to stay in bed on Saturday morning, bedtimes and getting up in the morning aren’t always straightforward.

 

Now a sleep chart that’s been doing the rounds on social media has us all scratching our heads in bemusement.

 

According to this strict regime posted to Facebook by Wilson Elementary school, a five-year-old who gets up at 6am must be in bed at 6.45pm.

 

Meanwhile, a 12-year-old who gets up at 7am should be in bed at 9:15 pm, according to the chart. The chart’s wake-up times begin at 6am and end at 7:30am with bedtimes adjusted according to age.

 

So far, it’s been shared over 400,000 times and over 10,000 people have commented on it.

 

 

Some parents have criticised the chart, pointing out that it leaves no room for after school activities, baths or bedtime routines in such a narrow window of time.

 

One dad wrote: “In a perfect world, yes. But not every child is the same nor can a lot of parents follow this because of lifestyle. For example, I work 12-hour shifts, going by this chart I would only see my children on weekends for the first six years of their lives. It's unrealistic in today's society for a lot of people.”

 

While another mum pointed out an obvious flaw with the younger children’s bedtimes. “I assume this is for kids who don’t nap during the day?” she asked.

 

One mum pointed out that following a strict chart like this could minimise valuable interactions with children, writing: “By the time you eat supper and do the dishes it's time for the kids to be in bed.

 

"What time did you spend with them to talk to them, ask how school was, have they any problems that are bothering them?

 

"Going to bed at 9 pm and getting them up at 7 am is good, that's 10 hours of sleep. Besides every kid is different. Enjoy them while you can, they'll be out of the house before you know it and they won't want to be around the parents then.”

 

 

What do you think of this chart mums? Let us know your opinions on it, we would love to hear them.

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