W e all know that parents ( and non-parents) cope better after having a good nights sleep.

The key to getting a sucessful bedtime for children is to have a ROUTINE;

When my children were young our bedtime routine was to have a warm bath, with some bubbles and a few toys to make it fun. then after putting on pyjamas they would have a light supper and a cup of milk.

Once tucked up in bed I would read a bedtime story then it was a kiss and lights out.

My children went to bed quite early when they ere at a pre-school age ( so they didn’t get over tired;which can prevent a peaceful bedtime).

This also meant that my husband and I had some time to ourselves to relax and watch some television.

My youngest son knew that his bedtime was when Coronation street finished: On the odd occasion when it was on at a different time because football was on instead, he would complain that he was being made to go to bed too early. But some persuasion usually did the trick,

Some children like to have a night light in their bedroom or to have the landing light left on, which is fine if this makes them feel safer and therefore drop off to sleep easier.

Children will often come up with any excuse for not being able to fall asleep, For example they need a drink. to use the toilet or the best one I have heard is that a child had a bogie!

Try not to give in to these demands: Simply and calmly tell your child that it’s time to go to sleep and walk away.

Tips for getting children to take a daytime nap here

As always questions and comments are welcome.

Until next time.

Karen

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