How to Create a Good Bedtime Routine for Children
Creating a bedtime routine allows a child to wind down before falling asleep so that he can make the shift from activeness to slumber with ease. Bedtime routines supply children and parents with clear expectations of what to anticipate each night, which brings structure and positive behavior. Practicing the same pattern of events helps a child understand, participate and enjoy the routine.
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Things You'll Need
- Clock
- Bedtime routine chart (optional)
- Stickers (optional)
- Writing utensil (optional)
- Bathtub
- Toothbrush
- Toothpaste
- Pajamas
- Snack
- CD or MP3 player (optional)
- Book
- Blanket or stuffed animal
- Nightlight (optional)
Instructions
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Choose an age-appropriate bedtime for your child, such as 7 or 8 p.m. Discuss the time and steps of the bedtime routine with your child, and write the steps in in sequential order on a piece of paper. Tape this paper in your child's bedroom so he can use it as a bedtime reference. Allow your child to place a sticker next to each step after completion each night.
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Start the bedtime routine an hour before bedtime, and give your child a warning five minutes before beginning the routine by walking up to the clock and looking at the time together or through a verbal announcement such as, "Five minutes until bedtime."
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3
Assist your child in turning off the television or putting toys away and dimming the lights. Sit her at the kitchen table, and give her a bedtime snack such as cheese, crackers or apple sauce, as these foods aid in sleep. Have her check off steps such as "Turned lights Off" and "Ate Snack" from the bedtime routine list.
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Tell your child to pick out and place pajamas on his bed. Draw a warm bath for him while he is making his pajama selection. Give your child a five- to 10-minute bath, offering him bath toys to play with. Dry your child off, and help or supervise while he brushes his teeth. Assist him in putting on pajamas, and have him place a sticker on his bedtime routine chart next to "Brushed Teeth," "Took Bath" and "Pajamas."
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Present your child with two storybooks, and ask her to choose one. Tell her to put the book on her bed and to pick a stuffed animal or blanket to cuddle with. Have her put stickers on her bedtime chart next to "Chose Book" and "Picked Bedtime Friend." Dim bright bedroom lights, leaving on a table lamp, and play soft music from your CD or MP3 player to lull your child to sleep.
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Pull down the bed covers, read the storybook aloud and then tuck him under the covers. Say "goodnight" and give your child a kiss and hug. Turn the lamp off and leave a nightlight on, if necessary. Exit your child's room, and close the door.
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References
- Photo Credit bedtime image by les sanders from Fotolia.com
