Latest news with #Shore
Scotsman
6 days ago
- Health
- Scotsman
Three ways bedtime stories benefit your child, according to sleep scientist
This timeless bedtime tradition is also backed by science 😴 Sign up to our daily newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Edinburgh News, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... As well as being a great way for parents and children to connect, bedtime stories can really help them One sleep scientist says they can greatly improve sleep quality Nighttime reading can also play a part in helping them process the day and regulate their mood Another of its benefits is a key skill kids will need at school Tucking your child in for a bedtime story can benefit them in all kinds of different ways - many of which last long after the last page has turned. May was National Share-a-Story Month, an annual, UK-wide celebration of storytelling, literacy, and the power of sharing a good story with your child. But just because the month is drawing to a close, that doesn't mean that the storybook has to. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Sleep expert Hannah Shore, head of sleep science at online bedding retailer Mattress Online, says bedtime stories can play a big role in supporting children's sleep and wellbeing. But they also have all kinds of other impacts, she said, making them a beneficial part of any family's nighttime routine. Here are a few of the key ways she says they can help your child - at bedtime and beyond: Bedtime stories can do much more than just improve a child's sleep | (Image: National World/Adobe Stock) Three benefits of bedtime stories 1. Better sleep Making a habit of reading a story to your child before bed can help subconsciously give them a cue that it's time to go to sleep, Ms Shore said. 'A bedtime story is the go-to wind-down routine for lots of parents. Tried, tested and passed down through generations,' she continued. 'Having a good wind-down routine before bed allows the body and brain to relax and calm down. This calm time tells the body it should start to get ready for sleep, slowing down that heart rate, bringing that core body temperature down and relaxing the mind - all signals to help prompt the body to start producing sleep hormones, such as melatonin.' Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad On top of that, there were studies that backed this up. Establishing a calming bedtime routine as early as three months old can improve sleep outcomes later in life, a Sleep Research Society article found. These routines are associated with fewer night-time awakenings, fewer sleep problems, and longer overall sleep durations. In recent years, many were turning to screens at bedtime. But she said this could actually work against the body's natural sleep signals - with blue light from phones and tablets actually suppressing melatonin production, making it harder for children to fall and stay asleep. Children generally need more sleep than adults for healthy growth, the NHS advises, although the exact amount varies by age. This ranges from 11 to 14 hours per day for toddlers, to 9 to 12 hours for six to twelve-year-olds. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 2. Emotional regulations Part of what makes bedtime stories such an effective tool for sleep is their role in promoting relaxation and mental wellbeing, the sleep scientist continued. Stories could help children process their day and regulate their emotions - especially as a consistent part of their daily wind-down ritual. One US study even found that 'language-based' bedtime routines like storytelling could lead to a decline in behavioural problems, including anxiety, aggression and social withdrawal. 'In a world of distractions and screen time, the simple ritual of a bedtime story can be incredibly powerful,' Ms Shore continued. 'Not only does it support healthier sleep, but it also strengthens the bond between parent and child, creating a sense of safety and calm that's essential for emotional wellbeing.' 3. Boosting literacy Finally, reading stories regularly has been shown to significantly boost language skills in young children. This includes expanding their vocabulary, improving pronunciation, and even nurturing creativity. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Children exposed to consistent bedtime storytelling often demonstrate greater fluency, self-confidence, and academic readiness, another study found. In the UK, children enter Reception as young as four years old. Education experts say having a solid foundation in basic reading and writing skills can help ease their transition significantly. If you have an education story to share, we'd love to hear from you. You can now send your stories to us online via YourWorld at It's free to use and, once checked, your story will appear on our website and, space allowing, in our newspapers.
Scotsman
6 days ago
- Health
- Scotsman
Three ways bedtime stories benefit your child, according to sleep scientist
This timeless bedtime tradition is also backed by science 😴 Sign up to our daily newsletter – Regular news stories and round-ups from around Scotland direct to your inbox Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... As well as being a great way for parents and children to connect, bedtime stories can really help them One sleep scientist says they can greatly improve sleep quality Nighttime reading can also play a part in helping them process the day and regulate their mood Another of its benefits is a key skill kids will need at school Tucking your child in for a bedtime story can benefit them in all kinds of different ways - many of which last long after the last page has turned. May was National Share-a-Story Month, an annual, UK-wide celebration of storytelling, literacy, and the power of sharing a good story with your child. But just because the month is drawing to a close, that doesn't mean that the storybook has to. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Sleep expert Hannah Shore, head of sleep science at online bedding retailer Mattress Online, says bedtime stories can play a big role in supporting children's sleep and wellbeing. But they also have all kinds of other impacts, she said, making them a beneficial part of any family's nighttime routine. Here are a few of the key ways she says they can help your child - at bedtime and beyond: Bedtime stories can do much more than just improve a child's sleep | (Image: National World/Adobe Stock) Three benefits of bedtime stories 1. Better sleep Making a habit of reading a story to your child before bed can help subconsciously give them a cue that it's time to go to sleep, Ms Shore said. 'A bedtime story is the go-to wind-down routine for lots of parents. Tried, tested and passed down through generations,' she continued. 'Having a good wind-down routine before bed allows the body and brain to relax and calm down. This calm time tells the body it should start to get ready for sleep, slowing down that heart rate, bringing that core body temperature down and relaxing the mind - all signals to help prompt the body to start producing sleep hormones, such as melatonin.' Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad On top of that, there were studies that backed this up. Establishing a calming bedtime routine as early as three months old can improve sleep outcomes later in life, a Sleep Research Society article found. These routines are associated with fewer night-time awakenings, fewer sleep problems, and longer overall sleep durations. In recent years, many were turning to screens at bedtime. But she said this could actually work against the body's natural sleep signals - with blue light from phones and tablets actually suppressing melatonin production, making it harder for children to fall and stay asleep. Children generally need more sleep than adults for healthy growth, the NHS advises, although the exact amount varies by age. This ranges from 11 to 14 hours per day for toddlers, to 9 to 12 hours for six to twelve-year-olds. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 2. Emotional regulations Part of what makes bedtime stories such an effective tool for sleep is their role in promoting relaxation and mental wellbeing, the sleep scientist continued. Stories could help children process their day and regulate their emotions - especially as a consistent part of their daily wind-down ritual. One US study even found that 'language-based' bedtime routines like storytelling could lead to a decline in behavioural problems, including anxiety, aggression and social withdrawal. 'In a world of distractions and screen time, the simple ritual of a bedtime story can be incredibly powerful,' Ms Shore continued. 'Not only does it support healthier sleep, but it also strengthens the bond between parent and child, creating a sense of safety and calm that's essential for emotional wellbeing.' 3. Boosting literacy Finally, reading stories regularly has been shown to significantly boost language skills in young children. This includes expanding their vocabulary, improving pronunciation, and even nurturing creativity. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Children exposed to consistent bedtime storytelling often demonstrate greater fluency, self-confidence, and academic readiness, another study found. In the UK, children enter Reception as young as four years old. Education experts say having a solid foundation in basic reading and writing skills can help ease their transition significantly.
Yahoo
30-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
North Penn players celebrate final out of district championship victory
WATCH: Final out seals Red Bank Catholic softball's first Shore title in 15 years Final out seals Red Bank Catholic softball's 9-1 win over Colts Neck for the Caseys' first Shore Conference title since 2010. 0:17 Now Playing Paused Ad Playing
Yahoo
29-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Ambassador Hoekstra says U.S. and Canadian leaders aiming to mend fences
U.S. Ambassador to Canada Pete Hoekstra speaks on the second day of the Mackinac Policy Conference at the Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island, Mich., on May 28, 2025. (Photo by Andrew Roth/Michigan Advance) From snipes about turning the great white north into the 51st state to booing during 'The Star-Spangled Banner,' the U.S. relationship with its northern neighbor and closest ally has seemingly soured since the election of President Donald Trump. However Pete Hoekstra, the United States ambassador to Canada, offered a significantly more positive outlook during the Mackinac Policy Conference Wednesday, telling the attendees that Trump and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney are aligned in their goals of revitalizing each of their nation's economies. 'Can you imagine what happens in North America if the Canadian economy is booming and the U.S. economy is booming at the same time?' Hoekstra asked. 'We've got strong leadership, committed to economic growth, committed to the same types of economic principles who want to get to a deal. That gives me a lot of optimism,' Hoekstra said. However, there are some obstacles, Hoekstra said, notably pointing to the lack of a pro-American trade voice in Canada, noting that several provinces have banned the sale of American alcohol in retaliation to Trump's tariff policies. These issues are pebbles in the shoes, Hoekstra said, predicting that the U.S. and Canada would mend fences sooner rather than later. Carney appears to be serious about meeting Canada's NATO defense spending targets, Hoekstra said, and Canada has shown interest in participating in the United States' 'Golden Dome' missile defense system. In contrast to Hoekstra's optimism, Carney recently was quoted as saying that the 'process of deepening integration' with the U.S. is 'over' and that Canada was in a position now 'where we co-operate when necessary, but not necessarily co-operate.' Jacques Shore, a partner in the Ottawa-based law firm Gowling WLG, told Michigan Advance that Carney's stance is one born out of necessity. Shore, a past leader of the firm's National Government Affairs Group, said that while Hoekstra has been making an effort to actually meet Canadians, which is appreciated, in and of itself it can't erase the downturn in relations. 'I would say the pebbles in the shoes are relatively recent, because they have really come about as a result of a new focus of the President in the way in which he views Canada,' Shore said. In reaction to Hoekstra's comments, Shore said there is a sense that what had been a strong partnership between the two nations is now under some risk because of what's been said by Trump, but that's not to say that Canada is not 'absolutely engaged' in wishing to do everything it can to restore the relationship. However, Shore says the President's comments about making Canada a 51st state do not sit well with citizens of a proud and sovereign nation. 'I think that our Prime Minister said it extremely well when he made the comment that he has through the last election period spoken with the owners of Canada, which is obviously the citizens of Canada, and I don't think he necessarily even needed to have a campaign to see that Canadians are perfectly happy being Canadians, having the country that they have, continuing to build the country they have, without becoming part of the United States,' Shore said. Regardless, Hoesktra said while negotiations won't be easy, the U.S. and Canada could both see benefits to their manufacturing and energy industries if they reach a deal. Joining Hoekstra on stage, WOOD-TV reporter Rick Albin pressed the ambassador on the speed bumps on reaching a deal, and whether this would be a short term or long term concern. 'I think the president, and from what I'm hearing from my Canadian sources, are that the President and the Prime Minister would like to get to a resolution sooner rather than later,' Hoekstra said, emphasizing the American and Canadian jobs at stake. When asked if the U.S. and Canada could reach a zero sum deal or if tariffs would remain on both sides, Hoekstra said the president had made it clear there would be tariffs for every country looking to do business with the U.S. However, in negotiating with his Canadian colleagues, Hoekstra said there's no reason why trade between the U.S. and Canada couldn't be the least restrictive in the world in regards to tariffs. Michigan Advance Editor-in-Chief Jon King contributed to this story. This story was originally published by Michigan Advance. Like Maine Morning Star, Michigan Advance is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Michigan Advance maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor for questions: info@ SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE
Yahoo
29-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Hoekstra says U.S. and Canadian leaders aiming to mend fences
U.S. Ambassador to Canada Pete Hoekstra speaks on the second day of the Mackinac Policy Conference at the Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island, Mich., on May 28, 2025. (Photo by Andrew Roth/Michigan Advance) From snipes about turning the great white north into the 51st state to booing during 'The Star-Spangled Banner', the U.S. relationship with its northern neighbor and closest ally has seemingly soured since the election of President Donald Trump. However Pete Hoekstra, the United States ambassador to Canada, offered a significantly more positive outlook during the Mackinac Policy Conference Wednesday, telling the attendees that President Trump and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney are aligned in their goals of revitalizing each of their nation's economies. 'Can you imagine what happens in North America if the Canadian economy is booming and the U.S. economy is booming at the same time?' Hoekstra asked. 'We've got strong leadership, committed to economic growth, committed to the same types of economic principles who want to get to a deal. That gives me a lot of optimism,' Hoekstra said. However, there are some obstacles, Hoekstra said, notably pointing to the lack of a pro-American trade voice in Canada, noting that several provinces have banned the sale of American alcohol in retaliation to Trump's tariff policies. These issues are pebbles in the shoes, Hoekstra said, predicting that the U.S. and Canada would mend fences sooner rather than later. Carney appears to be serious about meeting Canada's NATO defense spending targets, Hoekstra said, and Canada has shown interest in participating in the United States' 'Golden Dome' missile defense system. In contrast to Hoekstra's optimism, Carney recently was quoted as saying that the 'process of deepening integration' with the U.S. is 'over' and that Canada was in a position now 'where we co-operate when necessary, but not necessarily co-operate.' Jacques Shore, a partner in the Ottawa-based law firm Gowling WLG, told Michigan Advance that Carney's stance is one born out of necessity. Shore, a past leader of the firm's National Government Affairs Group, said that while Hoekstra has been making an effort to actually meet Canadians, which is appreciated, in and of itself it can't erase the downturn in relations. 'I would say the pebbles in the shoes are relatively recent, because they have really come about as a result of a new focus of the President in the way in which he views Canada,' Shore said. In reaction to Hoekstra's comments, Shore said there is a sense that what had been a strong partnership between the two nations is now under some risk because of what's been said by Trump, but that's not to say that Canada is not 'absolutely engaged' in wishing to do everything it can to restore the relationship. However, Shore says the President's comments about making Canada a 51st state do not sit well with citizens of a proud and sovereign nation. 'I think that our Prime Minister said it extremely well when he made the comment that he has through the last election period spoken with the owners of Canada, which is obviously the citizens of Canada, and I don't think he necessarily even needed to have a campaign to see that Canadians are perfectly happy being Canadians, having the country that they have, continuing to build the country they have, without becoming part of the United States,' Shore said. Regardless, Hoesktra said while negotiations won't be easy, the U.S. and Canada could both see benefits to their manufacturing and energy industries if they reach a deal. Joining Hoekstra on stage, WOOD-TV reporter Rick Albin pressed the ambassador on the speed bumps on reaching a deal, and whether this would be a short term or long term concern. 'I think the president, and from what I'm hearing from my Canadian sources, are that the President and the Prime Minister would like to get to a resolution sooner rather than later,' Hoekstra said, emphasizing the American and Canadian jobs at stake. According to the Detroit Regional Chamber's 2025 state of the region report, 234,000 jobs in the Detroit Region alone rely on trade and investment with Canada. 'Again, the President is focused on economic growth and prosperity for the American people, which means engagement with Canada as our number two trading partner. And the interrelationships we have on the auto industry and the interrelationships that we have on energy, we can become a global powerhouse,' Hoekstra said, noting that cooperation would allow both nations to compete with China on automotive manufacturing and the Middle East on energy. Additionally, energy is crucial for AI development, Hoekstra noted. Canada also has critical minerals and an integrated structure with the United States auto industry, Hoekstra said, emphasizing China is both nation's competition. When asked if the U.S. and Canada could reach a zero sum deal or if tariffs would remain on both sides, Hoekstra said the president had made it clear there would be tariffs for every country looking to do business with the U.S. However, in negotiating with his Canadian colleagues, Hoekstra said there's no reason why trade between the U.S. and Canada couldn't be the least restrictive in the world in regards to tariffs. Michigan Advance Editor-in-Chief Jon King contributed to this story. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX
