Often, parents are unhappy with the way bedtime happens in their house. Whether their kids are refusing to get into bed at all, or bouncing off the walls once in their room, bad bedtime routines can disrupt sleep for the whole family. If this is something you’re struggling with, here are three tips on creating a healthy, clear bedtime routine for your child.
Stick to the Time
Unless there is an event where you really can’t make it back in time, work hard to make sure your kid knows what time bedtime is, and that this is stuck to religiously. By getting into bed at the same time each night, even if they don’t fall asleep immediately you are creating a pattern which their body will start to recognize. Equally, you are establishing a boundary, so they will feel less able to bend the rules and sneak up to bed half an hour or an hour later than usual.
Evening Baths
It can be a good idea to schedule baths an hour or so before bedtime. The warm water can have a sleep-inducing effect, and it can certainly help your kid relax and feel more ready for bed. If this is included as part of the bedtime routine (even if just once or twice a week), it will also signal to your child that bedtime is approaching, so there is less risk of tears and tantrums.
Bedtime Reading
There is a reason the bedtime story is so popular—kids often can’t fall asleep until they’ve done a calming activity, such as reading or drawing. Factor in bedtime reading as part of the bedtime routine and make sure you have time to do it each evening. This is an important time when you can reassure your child and spend some quality time with them. It will also help them to feel sleepy, making it easier for them to fall asleep.