Are evenings fraught, with your child bouncing around, insisting he’s not tired at 10.30pm? Does he prefer to crash out and go to sleep on the sofa rather than cosying up in bed? Here’s how to reclaim your adult time – and your sanity – with a relaxed and calming bedtime routine.
‘Bedtime? No way!’
Why bother with a bedtime routine at all, especially if your child is resistant?
Good night, sleep tight...
It’s not just getting enough sleep that’s important for children, but sleeping in a regular pattern as often as possible.
Quiet time
Once you’ve decided on a bedtime you can all live with, create a wind-down routine starting around an hour before lights-off.
‘I’m not tired!’
Once your routine is established, then you can nudge lights-off by ten minute earlier every few days, until you reach what you feel is a
Turn off, crash out...
7. Ignore last minute requests
‘Mum! Dad!
8. Allow for exceptions
Special days (and nights)
Of course, life happens, occasionally disrupting even most rigid routines.
9. Stay strong
Is it really worth it?
10. Offer comfort
Fright nights
Being scared of the dark or being alone in a bedroom can be a real fear for many children.
11. Now you enjoy that time
Hurrah! Adults only
So your child has a regular bedtime.