How to Avoid Bedtime Battles

Getting your child to bed and to stay there is one of the most common battles of parenting young children. It is a frustrating experience many parents deal with every night. There are ways to break the cycle of bedtime battles, as long as you are committed to following through with these steps.

Difficulty: Challenging

Instructions

1. Set a bed time. The time differs for every child and every family routine. Once a time is set, stick to it with the exception of special occasions.

2. Establish a regular bedtime routine such as giving her a warm bath, putting on pajamas, brushing teeth, reading a book and kissing goodnight. Give a five-minute or so warning before your routine, so she knows it is coming.

3. Praise him the next morning when he stays in bed and gets to sleep on his own. Offering some kind of reward, a new toy or ice cream, often helps them want to continue with the routine.

4. Stay calm but hold your ground. If she pleads, begs for one more book, one more drink of water, don't give in. She knows she can't get her way and you avoid the power struggle.

5. Teach your child to sleep alone. If he is used to curling up in bed with you, slowly move him back to her room day by day. A night light or keeping the door cracked helps ease his feelings of being alone.

6. Take it one day at a time. Be patient and be consistent. It takes a while to establish any routine, so try not to expect immediate success.

Tips & Warnings

• Children sleep better and are more willing to go to bed if they get a lot of exercise every day.
• As your child gets older, push back her bedtime. A five-year-old needs more sleep than a 10-year-old.
• Don't lose your temper, yell or berate your child while training her to get in and stay in bed. If she feels your disapproval, it only causes defiance and rebellion.

[Samanthe]

on 10/27/2008 Good article.