One of the daily conundrums parents face with their kids is putting them to bed. No matter how tired they are, kids will never willingly admit wanting to go to bed. Parents usually complain about this ongoing struggle, especially on school nights when they have to deal with their fussy grumpy kids who did not get enough sleep. Even if you do manage to get them to go to bed, they will convince you to read 2 bedtime stories instead of one, or to lie down next to them because they are scared. They have more than a few tricks up their sleeves just to stay up for a little while longer.
If you are a tired parent at the end of your rope, read on below to find out how you can make your kids sleep on time.
Create A Fun Bedtime Routine
One of the best ways to get anything done is to have a set routine. However, to put your kids to bed, you need to make the routine fun, so they can follow it. Instead of ordering them to finish pre-bed rituals like going to the bathroom and brushing their teeth, make a game out of it. You can find interesting ideas on the internet about how to create the best routine that suits your household. For example, you can have your kids race to finish all the bedtime steps, and whoever wins, gets to choose the bedtime story for the night. Another cool idea is to have some treasure hunt fun. Every night before their bedtime, hide some clues that eventually will lead them to their rooms where they can hang out a little before you tuck them in. The important thing is to try to start the routine at the same time every day, so over time, their biological clocks can automatically self-adjust.
Wind Them Down In Preparation For Bed
Just like adults, you need to give your kids the time to wind down before you ask them to go to bed. You cannot expect your kids to go from running and jumping around to laying down just because their sleeping time has come. You have to ease them into starting their bedtime routine. Ask them to switch off the screens and draw them a warm bath with calming scents, like lavender. This will put their minds into relaxation mode and help them fall asleep faster and easier.
Consider Remodeling Their Bedrooms
People usually believe that kids’ bedrooms have to be colorful and fun with bright walls and crazy lightings. However, as said by experts at https://sleepauthorities.com/, only a few remember that like adults, kids too need their sleeping spaces to stimulate a sense of tranquility. If you are like most people, you might want to consider toning down the decorations around your kids’ bedroom. Choose a light color, and repaint the flashy wall art that you thought was a good idea when you were first designing the room. You can also install some indirect lighting fixtures for bedtime stories instead of the neon lights that keep their minds revving and do not help them to wind down.
Pay Attention To Their Diets
Prepare healthy nutritious meals for your kids throughout the day and leave the sweets and other sugary snacks for special occasions. Nothing is more frustrating than having to deal with a hyperactive kid and trying to put him/her to sleep. Before you know it, the sugar high will turn into screams and wailing tantrums, making your job tenfold harder. Nutritionists recommend replacing your kids’ daily juice box with fruit cuts instead to control their sugar intake and keep the sugar rushes at bay.
Have Them Exercise
Physical exercise is an essential component in kids’ physical and mental development. Moving their bodies will help adjust their body’s chemicals and help them to function better. Exercise is a great way to release any stress or anxiety that can often disrupt regular sleeping patterns. Make sure they have at least 2 to 3 days of physical activity during the week and even on their free days, take them to parks or playgrounds to keep their bodies moving, or why not invest in a pair of kids roller skates? Before you know it, their bodies will yearn for rest, and they will be more accepting of going to bed on time.
You will find that getting your kids to sleep on time is harder during the summer vacation and after long school breaks. So do not be frustrated if it takes you longer than hoped for to have your kids back on track. The above tips will help you out, but more importantly, you need to remember that kids just love to stay up late and do not want to miss out on the chance of spending more time with you.
