How to get Your Kids to go to bed and Stay There

It's night time, you're tired and the last thing you want is a conflict with your child. Unfortunately, many children resist their bedtime and parents may spend hours trying to put a child to bed before he finally falls asleep. When your child's bedtime routine is taking a toll on your sanity, try some recommended techniques to put the problem to bed.

Instructions

1. Establish your bedtime goals. As simple as this sounds, many parents do not take the time to figure out exactly what they want from their kids at bedtime. Stating, "I want my kids to go to bed at a decent hour," is vague but saying, "I want my toddler to be in bed by 8 p.m. and asleep by 8:30 p.m." establishes a concrete goal to work towards.

2. Plan a graduated routine that eventually ends with the bedtime goal you set in Step 1. If your child fights his midnight bedtime right now, you'll need to alter his routine gradually, moving bedtime earlier by 30 minutes or so, every week, until you reach the desired time.

3. Make bedtime fun but don't encourage subsequent waking episodes by repeating the fun later. Read your child a story, sing a song and give horsey-back rides before bed but if your child wakes during the night, lead them quietly back to bed with very little fanfare.

4. Expect resistance. Children who resist going to sleep often do so out of anxiety. Reassure your child that you will be close by and encourage them to sleep by reminding them of tomorrow's plans.

5. Rise and shine early. Allowing your child to sleep late in the morning encourages wakefulness at night. Wake your child up at the same time every morning to begin the day.

6. Make a contract with your child. Even small children understand that if they go to bed and stay in bed, they will earn a trip to the park in the morning. Stick to your guns and reward your child only when they fulfill their end of the deal.

Tips & Warnings

• Discipline that creates anxiety may prolong the unwanted behavior.