If your kids are anything like mine, you know how hard it is to put them to sleep at night! But did you know that kids spend about 40% of their childhood sleeping, which makes it essential for their mental and physical health and growth? If you are a parent or are looking to find a babysitter, getting your kid(s) to sleep can be a hard nut to crack for you. Using force with them will only make them angry or irritated.
Here are a few fun ways to make sure your kids go to bed and avoid all the bedtime blues.
1. Make a bedtime schedule
First of all, it is important to have a “bedtime schedule” in place for your children. Let your kids know when it is time for bed. Simply turn off the TV and politely ask them to hit the bed, while letting them know that they should know the bedtime schedule by now.
2. Resolve sleep difficulties
If you observe that your child looks sleepy, overtired, cranky, or irritated for a prolonged period, take him or her to a doctor. These are symptoms of sleep difficulties, and when it comes to your children, you can never be too safe. Your child may have adenoids and/or tonsils, which may be preventing them from getting a good night’s sleep or falling asleep entirely.
3. Follow a routine
Sit with your child and ask them what they want to do before bedtime. By letting your child get in their “me time” before bedtime, you can avoid a lot of the fuss. For instance, they can read their favorite comic books, talk about the day, or play a video game. You can also tell your kids stories at bedtime. This works for most kids. Other things that should be part of the routine include asking your kids to have a glass of water and to brush their teeth.
4. Snacks before bedtime
Fact: kids are much more active than adults during the daytime. They spend most of their day running, playing, and doing many physical activities. Take advantage of their physical drain and offer them a snack before bedtime. The caloric intake will activate their digestive tract which will in turn make them sleepy. Sneak in some turkey rolls with cheese to take advantage of the L-Tryptophan.
5. Check the room environment
The room where your kid will sleep should be neither cold nor hot. If the room is cold, make sure your kid is wearing a warm dress. If possible, turn on the heater in the room and keep a window open for fresh air. Additionally, kids fall asleep faster in a dark and quiet room. The noise level in the room should be as low as possible. But if your kid cannot sleep in a dark room, just keep a dim light on.
If your kid is under 8, consider giving them a personal object, such as a teddy bear or doll. As a result, your kid will fall asleep faster because they won’t be afraid of anything.
Author Bio: Hank McKinsey is a SAHD and lifestyle how-to blogger from Clovis, CA. When he’s not working at home or blogging, he can be found at the park with his dogs or in the kitchen. See what Hank is up to on Twitter!
