No matter what their age, all children face unique issues. One of the most common, however, is kids not wanting to go to sleep. Every tot has his or her own reasons for avoiding bedtime - whether it's leftover excitement from the day's activities or terrifying nightmares - but the process can be extremely stressful for already tired adults. Mom365 has some tips families can use to finally get their children to sleep soundly:
Create a routine
Children benefit from regular schedules in all aspects of their days, from getting ready for school to eating patterns. That aspect should carry over to bedtime, according to Psychology Today. This process instills a sense of security, as kids know what part of the bedtime procedure is coming next. Every family will have a different nighttime routine, but it's crucial to carry those habits from day to day. Completing this action will help kids anticipate story time, music or any other before-bed activities families have created. Overall, a regular schedule will improve a tot's level of calmness and help him or her settle into bedtime more easily.
A consistent routine will help children fall asleep faster.
Indulge a little
Kids have active imaginations and can tend to want to take control over how and when they go to sleep. The result is numerous requests for a bedtime story, a glass of water and checking under the bed for monsters. While these desires can be tiresome for parents, sometimes it's best to give in, at least for a while, Parenting.com suggested. It's okay to complete the tot's first few appeals, especially acknowledging children's fears before they finally settle down. It's also important to set limits. Parents should let their kids know when the last request has been completed and stand their ground.
Create a reward system
There's a reason why teachers use gold stars to congratulate children on good behavior or grades: it works. Parents can assume this technique during bedtime to help kids get in bed and stay there through the night. Developing a reward system will help tots look forward to waking up the next morning to receive their prize. These games will be different based on the family and how difficult it is to get the child to sleep. Parents.com recommends awarding a star every time a child gets to sleep on time and doesn't get up until wake-up time. After three stickers, the kid will gain a prize of the adults' choosing.
"Parents should limit screen time before bed."
Turn off the television
The Sleep Foundation explained that a major factor in regulating sleep is exposure to light before falling asleep. This fact is true for both adults and children but could have a greater affect on kids, as many already have trouble getting to bed at a decent hour. Turning off screens, especially televisions, two hours before settling into bedtime can improve the production of melatonin - which causes people to feel sleepy, according to Healthline. Working this element into a bedtime routine will help kids calm down at a faster rate and synch more easily into a regular sleep schedule.
Don't cut loose on the weekends
Friday nights, and Saturday and Sunday, are more fun for kids and adults alike, as the responsibilities of the work- and school-week fade away. Parents may be tempted to be more lax during the weekend, but this can seriously affect weekday sleep schedules if they're not careful. Letting tots sleep in or stay up late just because they don't have school can cause problems in the upcoming days, according to Lifehacker. If families decide to extend sleep hours, they should be sure to develop a weekend routine so kids have some sense of normalcy.
Children's bedtimes can be difficult for parents, especially after a stressful workday. Every child is different, but it's common for tots to avoid falling asleep for a number of reasons. To ensure kids get the adequate hours in bed, adults should develop a bedtime routine, indulge their children's concerns a bit, create a reward system, limit screen time before bed and keep schedules consistent through the weekend. These steps can ensure both parents and children are well-rested and ready for the day ahead