DEAR HARRIETTE: My daughter has been out of school for four weeks now, and she sleeps past noon each day. At first I was OK with it. She worked hard in school this year, and I felt she had earned the right to rest; now I think it’s time for her to get up and participate in life. By that I mean she needs to clean her room, do her chores, read the books she was assigned over the summer and even see her friends. Should I be worried that all she wants to do is sleep? She’s 14 years old. -- Sleeping Beauty, Washington, D.C.
DEAR SLEEPING BEAUTY: Teens are known to relish sleeping late, so know that your daughter is not unusual! She may be growing, too. Often, children have growth spurts as they sleep. To be sure that she’s healthy, schedule a checkup with her physician. Let the doctor know what your concerns are, and ask for wisdom and advice.
If your doctor gives your daughter a clean bill of health, it’s then time for you to watch your daughter and see when she goes to sleep. Many kids stay up late texting, SnapChatting or playing videogames well after parents are sleeping. If that's the case, establish summer sleeping rules as well as activity rosters. To get your daughter to follow your regimen, you may have to take away a privilege. The cellphone or computer would be at the top of my list.