The Best Foods & Sleep Routine For Every Child, According To Ayurveda

Here's what you need to know about the three different Ayurvedic types and how they can help inform your kid's routines:

They are easily distracted, especially if they're out of balance, so they may lose their focus and make mistakes or wander off before they finish a task.

This type is dynamic, strong-willed, and inquisitive. The Pitta brain's executive system processes information easily while at the same time focusing on details. Emotionally, the Pitta child's warmth can manifest as warmheartedness and compassion—or, if the Pitta gets inflamed, as anger.

If you're stumped on what dosha type your child is, taking this quick quiz for them can provide some clarity.

All children need the full range of proteins, essential fatty acids, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals. But there are also ways to optimize your child's diet based on their unique type. Here are a few ideas about how to do so based on your kid's tastes and preferences.

A Vata type's digestion is often not very strong, so they should eat dinner at least two or three hours before bed. Otherwise, their metabolism will stay high because they're still digesting dinner, and this may keep them from falling asleep.

These types have very strong appetites. Keep their inner dragon quiet by making sure meals and snacks are plentiful and on time. Cool foods and beverages help control that inner heat. Pitta types have strong digestion, so they can eat the heavier foods that other types have to avoid: pasta and mashed potatoes, for example. Try to avoid hot spices.

These types have strong appetites, but (unlike their Pitta siblings) they can eat late or even skip a meal. They really enjoy their food, so be alert that they don't overeat. Kapha's solid nature is balanced by eating spicy foods and light, dry foods. They should avoid cold foods such as ice cream as well as heavy foods such as mashed potatoes, yogurt, and butter.

Next, consider whether one child is under a little more pressure than the others. Is there a dance recital, math test, or important ballgame tomorrow? Or maybe one child is fighting off a cold? Those extra demands make them more vulnerable, so choose a menu that supports that child's brain/body type for a couple of days.

All kids (adults too!) can benefit from the regularity of a consistent wind down routine. Here are some ideas for how to personalize your nightly agenda based on your child's type.

More than any other type, Vatas need a solid routine at bedtime. Begin early with a warm, soothing bath; use Vata pacifying aroma oils; read an uplifting and calming story; play soft music. Do everything you can to create a quiet and enticing environment before you even try to get your Vata child to sleep.

One technique that works well is to tell the Pitta child a long, involved, tedious bedtime story in which almost nothing happens. This captures their attention but gives nothing for their lively mind to engage with, so they can settle down to sleep.

One problem with this type is getting them up in the morning. Entice them out of that warm, comfy bed with a yummy breakfast or a fun activity. Kapha types love to help, so try asking them to help you cook that yummy breakfast.