After the whirlwind that was 2020 and the COVID-19 pandemic, parents are switching things up at home to tend to their children more effectively and ensure their kids are growing and thriving. Each year, there are a number of new parenting trends, some good, some not so good. At 5 Little Monkeys, we’ve got four parenting trends that we think everyone can benefit from and they will help ensure your little ones are happy, healthy, and getting a great night’s sleep.

1. Balancing Screen Time & Online School

With the shift to online schooling for most children, screen time has increased exponentially. It’s important to balance their virtual school time and their leisure screen time. We recommend limiting all screen time while they are still in virtual school. Instead, encourage your kids to play outside, practice arts and crafts, or play board games. Too much screen time will affect your child’s sleep and can even cause insomnia in children. Ensure they have a great night’s sleep on their kids mattress by limiting their screen time as much as possible during the day.

2. Healthy Foods

Throughout the rollercoaster of the past year, most parents have found that when their kids are consistently eating healthy foods at home, their behavior is better, they sleep better, and they concentrate in online school better. Ensure your children are eating a diet high in fruits and vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains. You’ll quickly notice the difference in their sleep schedules and sleeping more soundly!

3. Sustainable Play Time

Many parents have focused on having sustainable toys at home and re-using old materials for new fun activities. Not only is this exciting for kids, it's easier on a parent’s wallet and it's better for the planet. Recyclables can be used for a number of arts and crafts projects that kids of all ages will love. This will also give your kids a break from staring at a computer screen all day.

4. Mindfulness for Kids

Calming your kids down for online school or bedtime can be a project in itself, try a mindfulness activity in 2021. There are a number of great resources and books to introduce mindfulness into your kid’s daily schedule. This will help them calm down at meal times and bed time and help them get a better night’s sleep.

Purchase Your 5 Little Monkeys’ Mattress for Kids Today

If you are looking for a great toddler twin bed or kids mattress, look no further than the 5 Little Monkeys’ Sleep System bed for kids. It has been specifically designed for kids, their growing bodies, and their sleep needs. We are confident you and your little ones will absolutely love it. Shop our kids mattress today!