Bedtime Tips:
- Establish clear bedtime rules together as a family, including the expected routine and staying in bed.
- Stick to a consistent bedtime routine.
- Look for signs of tiredness in your child and put them to bed when they naturally feel sleepy.
- Gradually adjust the bedtime to align with your child’s natural peak of tiredness.
- Create a bedtime routine that helps your child relax and prepare for sleep, such as a back rub, lullaby, or storytime.
- Keep activities low-key for at least half an hour before bedtime to avoid overstimulation.
- Give a final warning about bedtime routine starting in ten minutes.
- Use external cues like an alarm clock or timer to set bedtime.
- Use props like white noise, rocking chairs, or soft music to help your child transition to rest time.
- Provide a comfort object, like a blanket or stuffed animal, to help your child soothe themselves to sleep.
- Stay with a child who needs your presence to calm down, but set reasonable limits.
- Guide the child back to bed without engaging in lengthy discussions every time they leave their bed.
- Take turns with your spouse to avoid feeling trapped in the bedtime routine and allow the child to connect with both parents.
- Praise and compliment your child for going to bed willingly and staying in bed throughout the night.
- Be aware that changes to the bedtime routine may have consequences.
- Trying to shorten a well-established bedtime routine may backfire and take more time.
- Bring familiar items from home when away to create a homelike sleep environment.
- Spend time chatting calmly with your child at bedtime to discuss their day and review family rules.
- Teach your child to respect your need for alone time at night.
- Consider offering rewards for accomplishments like falling asleep without constant presence.
- Prioritize self-care to maintain your energy for dealing with bedtime challenges.
- Assess whether having children share a room can provide comfort and companionship.
- Find a bedtime routine that respects both your needs and your child’s, and feel good about your choices.
Remember, finding a bedtime routine that works for your family is key, and it’s important to prioritize self-care to handle bedtime challenges effectively.