Are you a bad parent? Outcry as new chart reveals time your children should REALLY be going to bed

There’s no denying that a good night’s sleep is crucial for children - especially when they’re back at school and facing new challenges every day.

But how much sleep should they really be getting?

Well, this chart - posted last week by Wilson Elementary School in Wisconsin - attempted to answer that question once and for all.

And it all seems innocent enough: all it says is what time kids of different ages should go to bed at night and wake up in the morning.

However, despite professing that the information was intended to be ‘helpful’, the post has sparked outrage amongst parents on Facebook.

With well over 385,000 shares and more than 8,400 comments, it’s clear to see that parents do not appreciate being preached at - especially as the chart fails to take into account the practicalities of modern family life.

“Tell that to a mother who doesn’t get home until 6:15 most nights and still has to prepare dinner, check homework, and get baths,” fumed one mother.

A furious mum-of-five described her own evening schedule, adding: “Then we have to go home, shower, get clothes laid out and everything ready for school the next day.

“All five of my kids go to sleep at 9, and I have no problem waking up the four kids that go to school in the morning at 7. This chart is unrealistic.”

However, despite the outcry, others have praised the chart, saying that it’s important to remind parents that sleep-deprived children will not perform well in school.

This is pretty much what I have done so far with my son,” insisted one such mother. “Sleep is extremely important. He does do sports after school and gets homework done. Have to have priorities.”

Even teachers have weighed in on the debate, with one writing: “As a retired teacher, I would like to say a whole [lot] of parents have no idea how their kids are in school.

“It was pretty darn discouraging to be conducting a class with students who were too tired to hold their heads up.”

So how much sleep SHOULD children be getting each night?

The NHS have a useful guide on their own site, which basically advises the following:

11 - 14 hours of sleep in a 24 hour period

** 11 - 13 hours of sleep each night

9 - 11 hours of sleep each night

**What time do your kids go to bed? **Do you think the chart is realistic?

Let us know via Facebook or Twitter (@CloserOnline) now.