Kids Bedtime Routine

When we think about kids’ bedtime, we almost always think about bedtime struggles. I’m not sure why kids do this – fight sleep as if their lives depended on it - but I can remember myself as a child, tired, almost unable to keep my eyes open, and yet fighting sleep for as long as I possibly could.

Kids’ refusal to go to bed creates a lot of tension in many households. Our kids bedtime routine is important to us, not just because we know they need to get enough sleep in order to grow and function properly, but also because – let’s face it – by the end of the day we need a break from them!

As much as your kids’ bedtime routine is a challenge, you CAN make it easier for your child to accept that it’s time to say goodbye to today and get some much needed rest in anticipation of tomorrow. The best way to do this is by establishing a bedtime routine. Here are a three tips:

1. Be consistent. Just like everything else with kids, being consistent is a must. Repeat the same bedtime routine every single night. Your kids will learn to associate the bedtime routine with going to sleep, and this will make it easier for them to relax and fall asleep.
2. Start early. If possible, start your kids bedtime routine at least 45 minutes before it’s time to turn off the lights. Give them, and yourself, plenty of time for getting ready (taking a bath, brushing teeth, wearing their pajamas) and relaxing with a book.
3. Be gentle but firm. If your child gets out of bed, promptly return him to bed. If he calls for you, go to him, but stay briefly and leave. Be gentle but firm. Reassure your child – show confidence in your own belief that going to sleep is pleasant, not scary. It’s sometimes helpful to reward your child for cooperating during bedtime, or impose consequences (such as no TV the next day) if she refuses to go to bed.

About the Author Posted by Vered in behaviour on October 08, 2009 More from this author  |

Comments  

 

0 # Niche Topics 2009-11-10 15:15

Great tips, thanks! Here's my tip -- avoid television near bedtime; it stimulates a kid too much.

Reply | Reply with quote | Quote

 

Refresh comments list
RSS feed for comments to this post

Add comment

Name (required)

E-mail (required, but will not display)

Website

Notify me of follow-up comments

Refresh

Send

Cancel

JComments