Bedtime used to be the worst time of the day for us. Its not all idyllic like the picture is on the right. It can really test your parenting skills! For many parents it can be the most frustrating and exasperating part of your day. If you are like me, you are tired, your children are tired, and all you want is for a little time to relax before you go to bed. The problem is, your children are not ready to go to bed! They find other activities to do, they won’t stay in bed, they need a drink, or need to go to the bathroom one more time. They whine, you react, and bedtime turns into a nightmare. Does that sound familiar? Here are five tips that may help make the bedtime routine go a lot smoother and more peachful:
Tip Number One: Try keeping your child active during the day with plenty of physical exercise. They should be allowed to unwind and have quiet time before the bedtime routine begins. A soothing bath and the scent of lavender will help them relax and unwind. Playing a tape of nature sounds or creating “white” noise will help your child sleep.
Tip Number Two: Set a regular bedtime and keep your child on schedule. Set up a regular routine and stick with it. That bedtime should be followed each night so they will know what to expect each evening. Take some time to cuddle or read to your child each evening before putting them to bed. This will allow them to feel loved and secure as they are preparing for sleep.
Tip Number Three: Cut down on the time your child spends watching television. The longer he or she sits during the day the more likely they will be active and restless at bedtime. Increasing your child’s activity during the day and refraining from high stimulus activities an hour before bed will prepare them for settling down to sleep.
Tip Number Four: Allow one half hour reading time after your child gets in bed. This may mean you will need to read them a story after you tucked them in; a few calming bedtime stories chosen for their age make the wind-down easier. If your child is older, they should be allowed to read quietly in bed for a short time before it is time for lights out. This can be another teaching tool. You can read with them or allow them to read to you choosing a story you are both interested in. You can limit your reading to one or two chapters a night. This will give them something to look forward to as part of their regular bedtime routine.
Tip Number Five: Try not to let your bedtime routine be something both you and your child dread. Prepare them with a regular schedule, prepare them by helping them unwind, and make bedtime a special time. Quiet music, closeness, and cuddling will help them feel secure as they go to sleep. You should never lose your temper or control, when you do you both lose.
Why does my child fight bedtime every night?
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Kids often resist bedtime when they are overtired or overstimulated from the day. Making sure they get plenty of physical activity during the day — followed by a genuine wind-down period — helps their bodies shift into sleep mode. Cutting out high-stimulus activities at least an hour before bed makes a noticeable difference.
What bedtime routine actually helps kids fall asleep?
A consistent, calming routine makes the biggest difference. Try a soothing bath (lavender scent is especially relaxing), quiet time away from screens, and cuddling or reading a story together before lights out. Sticking to the same schedule every night helps your child know what to expect and feel secure as they head off to sleep.
Does TV before bed make it harder for kids to sleep?
Yes. The more children sit passively and the more screen time they get close to bedtime, the more restless and active they tend to be when it is time to sleep. Refrain from television and high-stimulus activities for at least an hour before the bedtime routine begins.
How can I use reading as part of my child’s bedtime routine?
Allow about half an hour of quiet reading after your child gets into bed. For younger children, read a story to them after tucking them in; older kids can read on their own or take turns reading to you. Keeping it to one or two chapters a night gives them something to look forward to each evening.
What should I do when bedtime turns into a battle every night?
Stay calm and keep your routine consistent — when you lose your temper, you both lose. Prepare your child with a predictable schedule, help them wind down well before bed, and make bedtime feel warm and special rather than adversarial. Quiet music and cuddling help them feel loved and secure as they fall asleep.
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