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A bedtime battle is quite a common issue if you have a young kid or blessed with more than one. There are going to be countless situations when one child may be ready for bedtime but the other non-sleepy child may distract the sleepy one or disrupt the sleep of a sleeping child. There are number of ways to tackle this problem if you have difficulty of putting your kids to bed.

The first and the foremost step required to overcome this problem is to follow a fixed bedtime routine everyday even on the weekends. Sticking with this routine will set the inner clock of a child making them naturally sleepy with the arrival of bedtime.

Limit excessive physical activities at least 3-4 hours before their designated bedtime. Over-tiredness can greatly affect the sleep pattern of a child by causing muscle ache and active brain giving them trouble in falling sleep.

Avoid sweet treats close to their bedtime. Food or treats high in sugar content such as candy, chocolates, cake or caffeinated drinks or soda even in small portion can significantly increase their activity level making it difficult to fall asleep.

If you feel your child is acting hyper or overtired despite of your countless efforts, then you may either massage their body with baby oil or give them a warm bath, and this will help to relax their muscles making it easier for them to fall sleep.

Avoid distractions such as loud TV or other loud fun activities that may make them feel they are going to miss out on something. Kids are already on a look out for excuses to escape their bedtime and any distraction will work in their favor.

Make sure they have completed their due activities for the next day such as school homework or any other stress inducing factors are out of their heads giving them a peaceful mind during the night.

Tidy up their room and clean away any clutter that may trip them in their overnight bathroom visits. Make sure their bedding is clean and soft and if they use a pillow it should not be too high or flat just comfortable and safe. Also dress them into comfortable snuggly fitted clothes with tags cut out neatly. Make that glass of water easily accessible for them, that they may like to drink during the night.

Play a soothing slow music or sound that they normally listen to before bedtime and this may set their mood for bedtime. Leave some sort of low light or night light on in their rooms. Complete darkness can either scare them or make their bathroom trips difficult.

Remember to stick with the bedtime rituals such as reading a bedtime story, bath, music or if any other activities are part of your daily bedtime routine. This will just prepare them for what is yet to come, causing their inner clock to kick in, making your job easier by just a final tuck in bed with a good night kiss.

Learn more about this author, Ambreen R.
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