If you’re a parent, you’ve probably already spent hours of your life trying to convince your kids to go to sleep or falling asleep in their beds while you wait for them to drop off.
At the end of a hard day, every parent is itching for bedtime so they can have some time to themselves to relax.
Most parents find that it’s not as easy as 1, 2, 3. Whether your child is full of energy or overtired, the bedtime drama can be tedious. So, if you’re struggling to get your little ones to sleep, here are some tips to help.
Give Them Your Attention
It’s bedtime and all you can think about is the pile of dishes, dirty clothes, and other tasks you need to get done once the kids are asleep. Your kids will pick up on this and quickly see that your attention is divided.
Try and be present as you put your kids to sleep and spend time having a chat or reading a book together.
Give your kids thirty minutes of undivided attention before bedtime each night and use it as a signal that it’s time to start the bedtime routine.
You’ll feel much better about spending time with them rather than pushing yourself too hard as a parent.
Get Into a Solid Routine
A bedtime routine isn’t about ticking boxes. It’s about establishing what to expect in your kid’s minds. A great place to start is the bathroom. Before bedtime each night, usher the kids into the bathroom to brush their teeth.
Your kids may be using retainers too. Teeth retainers prevent relapse so many young children use them before going to bed. Make sure the kids use the toilet before heading to their bedrooms.
Encourage Independence Without Relinquishing Control
Parents should be in charge at bedtime but it won’t stop your kids from trying to test boundaries. Kids are learning about their independence and they want to see what they can and can’t control. For instance, when parents say it’s bedtime, the reply is often ‘I don’t want to go to sleep.’
At this point it can help to give your child some control over the situation. For example, ‘You don’t have to go to sleep but you do have to get into bed and be quiet’. Most children agree to these terms and fall asleep independently.
If you find that your child doesn’t fall asleep and still creates drama, offer some choices. For example, ‘You can go to sleep now and have plenty of energy for playing tomorrow, or you can choose to stay awake and lose your TV privileges tomorrow.’
Remain Calm and Positive
Bedtime drama can push parents to their limits but when you remain calm and positive, it’s more likely to go well. Avoid shouting or dishing out punishments and try to focus on things they can get excited about. If they’ve got something happy to focus on when they go to bed, they’re more likely to fall asleep easily.
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