How to Get Children to Go to Sleep

Children do not get enough sleep these days. Children under age 12 need 10 or 11 hours of sleep a night, but many do not get even close to this number. They have to get up early in the mornings to start their day, and they try to stay awake as long as possible at night. Meanwhile, they are missing precious body repair and brain development time.

Things You'll Need

• Patience
• Discipline
• Routine

Instructions

1. Set a bedtime routine that will mentally prepare them for bed. This will include a bath, bedtime story, brushing teeth and other bedtime rituals.

2. Watch what you feed them in the evening. Avoid sugary foods and drinks. Avoid feeding them chocolate and other foods with caffeine. Give them a light snack such as milk and cereal.

3. Remove items that over-stimulate your child from his or her room. Televisions, electronic toys they may want to play with, and anything that makes noise should be stored elsewhere in the home.

4. Turn down all of the lights in the house, and, if possible, go to bed as well. Many children think they are missing something when they can hear parents talking and having a good time while they are lying in bed trying to fall asleep. Do not give them anything to be curious about and you will have a better chance of them falling asleep.

5. Do not let them nap during the day. If your child does not sleep at night, you should eliminate daytime naps to increase the likelihood that they will go to sleep at night.

6. Turn on music that they find relaxing. Try to not choose music based on your own personal tastes, but by what your child likes, within reason. Watch them to see if the music really makes them sleepy or helps them to stay awake.