Channel Button

There are 57 articles on this title. You are reading the article ranked and rated #34 by Helium's members.

Parenting & Pregnancy   >

Parenting Methods

Get a Widget for this title

Enforcing bedtime: The importance of a good sleep routine

With all the high tech distractions of our modern world it can be challenging to slow children down in preparation for sleep. Bedtimes seem to grow later and without the guidance of a firmly established routine, what should be a calm, loving, night time environment can degenerate into chaos and frustration. What can you do to ensure your children get the good night's sleep that is vital for their growing minds and bodies?

1. Establish A Routine
Create a short list of evening activities that lead to bedtime. These often include eating dinner, taking a bath, brushing teeth, reading a book or hearing/telling a story, writing in a diary, putting away toys, watching the stars come out, singing a lullaby, sharing a secret, snuggling, cuddling, and kisses. Decide what you would like to incorporate into the night time routine of your children. Write down the list and practice following the routine. As your child learns what to expect you will find their mind and body automatically adjusting to the pattern.

2. Set A Firm Bedtime
Make sure your children are aware of their bed time. Even before they learn to read a clock you can introduce time by repetition and count down. Never negotiate simply because your child is refusing to go to bed. Occasions will come up when bedtime can't be maintained but these should be kept to a minimum and controlled by parents.

3. Eat Early Together
It is important that a child has eaten well before they go to bed. Give them at least an hour after dinner to begin digesting their food before they try to sleep. Sleeping on a full stomach is known to slow down the digestive process and can lead to obesity if coupled with other poor habits. By making dinner an enjoyable family occasion at the dinner table rather than in front of the TV you'll also reconnect with your children and give them an opportunity to talk out any issues that might keep them up at night.

4. Cut Out Noise And Distractions
It is important to keep noise and distractions away from bed time. Limit television, radios, and computers to earlier in the day and where possible ensure these are not available in the bedroom. Ideally, beds should be a place to sleep. Children who watch television or listen to the radio in bed may find it difficult to sleep there. Kids should also be encouraged to play quiet games in the evenings. Introduce activities that are restful such as board games, drawing, writing and reading.

5. Bath, Brush, And PJs
Having a bath is a part of most bed time routines. A warm bath (bubbles optional) encourages relaxation and cleanses the skin. Bath time should always be enjoyable as a stress-filled wash will disrupt a child and can have a negative impact on sleep. By establishing bath time before bed and after dinner you can include tooth brushing and pajamas without fear that either teeth or PJs might get dirty again before the kids sleep.

Firm parenting is vital when setting a good sleep routine for your children. It is important to set your limits and be consistent. Children flourish with the stability of routine. They thrive on knowing what to expect.

Sleep is a vital element in a happy childhood. It promotes the active, able mind and body that a growing child needs to learn and develop. By creating a routine that works for your family's lifestyle you can encourage good sleep habits that will positively impact the futures' of your children.

Learn more about this author, Rebecca Laffar-Smith.
Contact this writer Click here to send this author comments or questions.


Below are the top articles rated and ranked by Helium members on:

Enforcing bedtime: The importance of a good sleep routine

  • 1 of 57

    by Jane Buckley

    Anyone who has ever tried to get a grouchy, tired child up, breakfasted and off to school or for a family day of fun through

    read more

  • 2 of 57

    by Mary Moss

    The National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute tell us, "Sleep, like diet and exercise, is important for our minds and bodies

    read more

  • 3 of 57

    by Holle Abee

    Have you ever noticed how children seem to have a love-hate relationship with their beds? Many children fight crawling under

    read more

  • 4 of 57

    by Kelly White

    Enforcing bedtime is a crucial step in parenting from the beginning. Creating a sense of relief for your child when it's

    read more

  • 5 of 57

    by Cyndi Li

    As children get older it can be a challenge to institute/maintain a bedtime routine. However, it's not, impossible. A good

    read more

View All Articles on:
Enforcing bedtime: The importance of a good sleep routine

Add your voice

Know something about Enforcing bedtime: The importance of a good sleep routine?
We want to hear your view. Write_penWrite now!

Helium Debate

Cast your vote!

Potential parents: Will you copy your parents' parenting style?

Click for your side.

149747

Featured Partner

Common Language Project

The mission of the Common Language Project is to develop and implement innovative multimedia approaches to internatio...more

What is Helium? | Buy Web Content | Contact Us | Privacy | User agreement | DMCA | User Tools | Help | Community | Helium’s Official Blog | Link to Helium

Helium, Inc.
200 Brickstone Square Andover, MA 01810 USA