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How to Make Your Make Your Kids Sleep On Time

April 21, 2009

 

 

Difficulty in sending kids to bed often starts during the toddler years.   Sleeplessness in young children is common occurrence related to over stimulation and poor bedtime habits.  But this can be fairly easy to change by establishing a healthy sleeping early.  Here’s how:

 

  1. Establish a bedtime routine.  Setting a routine and knowing what to expect is soothing and reassuring for a child.  Routine could get you child body into a pattern with this routine the child’s body will get tired at the same time every night.  Give the child a lead time of about 30 minutes to an hour before lights out.  This should include bath time, brushing teeth, putting on pajamas and story telling. It is advisable to give the child a 15-minute warning before it is time to get ready for the “go-to-bed” routine.
  2. Keep the evening calm.  After a busy day, kids need a peaceful transition to a quite evening.  After dinner activities should be relaxing, such as reading stories, drawing or playing board games.
  3. Do not bend the rules.  Establishing routine is not really easy and will not automatically reap good result.  Kids will try to explore what the limits are and will see how much they can get away.  Be firm.  If you have agreed to read two stories a night, do not give in to his request for one more.  He may eventually feel that he can change the rule.
  4. Offer choices.  Since you are not giving your child the option of staying up past bedtime or skip brushing his teeth try to find other chances for him to make choices such as what pajama to wear or what story to read. 
  5. Prevent night fright.  Before you turn out the li ght, look into the closet and under the bed together so your child can see that there are no creatures hiding there.  A small night light will help keep him feeling safe throughout the night.
  6. Create a comfortable environment. You child will be more likely to stay in bed if he feels safe and happy in his room.  Some kids sleep better with soft music playing. Most importantly, do not use his room for time-outs.  Choose another location for this so as not to make this a scary place to be in.
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