How to Enforce Children's Bedtimes

Bedtime is a nightmare for many families. Children do not want to go to sleep even when they are tired, but the fact is that kids need ten to twelve hours of sleep each night to function properly the next day. Furthermore, parents need some time alone after the children have gone to bed to finish up the day's tasks, get prepared for the next day and spend some quality time together. Enforcing a bedtime is the way to get everyone what they need. It will be tough to establish a routine but here a few tips to get you on your way.

Instructions

1. Establish a bedtime and stick to it: 7:30 p.m. for babies and toddlers; 8:00 p.m. or 9:00 p.m. for older kids.

2. Keep things low key as bedtime approaches. Video games, competitions and horseplay are all too stimulating at bedtime and will keep children from falling asleep. Watching television for a bit at bedtime is fine as long as it isn't anything too intense or rowdy and it ends in time for bedtime.

3. Spend thirty to sixty minutes on the bedtime routine. Make yourself a comforting presence during bath time, brushing teeth and story time. It may sound like a big investment but the pay off is an early, successful bed time which provides you with the time to yourself that you need.

4. Take advantage of some one-on-one time with each child during the bedtime routine. Much of the rowdy behavior displayed by children at bedtime is a form of attention seeking. A few minutes of quality time spent with mom and dad will satisfy that need for attention and soothe the child for a good night of sleep.

Tips & Warnings

• Don't short change the kids during the bedtime routine. The extra few minutes spent will result in hours of quality time afterward.

• Stick to the routine! It isn't likely that your child is going to remind you that it's bedtime so it is up to you to keep things running smoothly.