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As children get older it can be a challenge to institute/maintain a bedtime routine. However, it's not, impossible. A good nights rest plays a vital role in how children behave and perform throughout their day, just as it does for their parents. Repetitiveness is the key to enforcing a bedtime routine.

Children benefit and flourish from repetitiveness. It gives them a sense of security when they know what to expect. Start your routine by creating an atmosphere that's supportive to bedtime.

GIVE THE SIGNAL
About 60-90 minutes before bedtime give your child a signal that bedtime is approaching. You can do this a number of ways.
* Dim the lights
* Turn the television down low/off.
* Cease all rambunctious activity.
* Turn the computer off.

No matter what you choose as a signal, stick with it.

CLEAN-UP AND DRESS DOWN TIME
When appropriate for your personal routine, have your child get washed up. In our home we normally take our bath in the morning, but there are times when the Grub Monster leaves his unmistakable mark. On those occasions our routine is adjusted to compensate for an additional bath. Either way, cleaning up is always an expected part of our routine.

SNUGGLE-UP WITH A GOOD BOOK
Children love to read and be read too. My 7 year old daughter thoroughly enjoys reading and this is one of her favorite parts of our bedtime routine. I use to read to her every night. Now that she's older and more independent, she wants to read on her own. I bought a basket which she filled with her favorite books. At bedtime she snuggles in underneath her blankets, basket by her side and reads for 15 minutes before lights out.

She also enjoys re-reading old letters she's gotten from family and friends, or looking at photo albums. I allow both as long as she's quiet and calm.

I LOVE YOU'S
This is the best part of the whole routine if you ask me. It's at this stage in the bedtime process when my daughter is most noticeably calmer and more docile than at any other time of the day. We have a few minutes of quiet chit chat then warm hugs, loving smooches and softly spoken I love you's as she drifts off to sleep.

If your children make a fuss over bedtime, remain firm and follow through with the routine. All children experience periods when they try to stretch the limits you have set in place. It's natural, so don't make a big fuss about it. If you gently stand your ground, they will get the message that you're not giving in and the revolt will pass quickly.

Every family has its own set of circumstances so there is no universal, tried and true way of setting a bedtime routine. However, it's a very vital part of your child's day. Figure out what works best for your family and stick with it.

Establishing a good bedtime routine is very important for good health and proper development. With a little creativity and flexibility parents can institute a bedtime routine with very little objection from their children. You'll all sleep a lot better, and wake much more prepared for the coming day.

Learn more about this author, Cyndi Li.
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