BEDTIME RITUALS BRING SWEET DREAMS

The word "bedtime" conjures up images of children hopping into PJs, snuggling under the covers, and sweetly calling out "Good night, Mom and Dad." For parents, reality is often different. Kids don't want to go to bed. Once you get them in bed (finally), they get right back out. There are many theories about how to get your kids to sleep, but this column is not about that. The suggestions listed here are for establishing a bedtime ritual -- a nightly rite that will soothe your children and send them off to the land of sweet dreams without tears, tantrums or tug-of-wars. The best part of the suggestions here is that they can be modified to fit your own family. So get ready to actually look forward to bedtime.

Set Up a Schedule to Avoid Night Time Struggles
"Do you have a routine before bedtime or do you just say 'Go to bed?' It's best to establish a routine very early on. It worked with my two kids and I've never had a problem with putting my kids to bed. We have a bath, have a snack, read a book, brush teeth, say prayers and go to bed. It really helps to have a quiet time prior to bedtime to get them in the mood and their bodies prepared to go to sleep."
~Nancy, Wisconsin

"We had a lot of trouble getting our daughter in bed at night. Then, I put a schedule of her bedtime routine on the wall, and we would read what it said and then do it. She had so much fun following the schedule, which listed things like getting into her pajamas, brushing her teeth, reading a story, kissing her stuffed animals goodnight, that soon she was reminding us it was bedtime! Now I catch her looking at the schedule and telling herself what needs to be done. If we leave even one thing out she refuses to go to bed. At first it was really hard, but now as soon as she has eaten dinner and finished her evening activity, she drags me upstairs to put her to bed."
~ Rachel, Colorado

A Different Kind of Bedtime Story
"Children love when their parents tell them stories from their own childhood or school experiences. It is also a good way to pass on family history and values. My children beg to hear stories about when I was a little boy. I highly recommend it as an occasional alternative to reading books."
~ Parent Soup member MarioDrum

Late Night Talks Work Wonders
"We struggled for quite some time with getting our children to stay in bed. My husband and I found ourselves dreading bedtimes. We have always done the usual rituals before they get into bed, but they never seemed to help them relax enough to actually stay in bed and go to sleep (they are 5 and 6 now). We finally found something that works to help them relax, we call it 'talking time.' We give the kids an extra 10 or 15 minutes to tell us three things they were proud of, or that they liked about during their day. It helps reduce separation anxiety, helps them to relax, and really boosts their self-esteem. Plus, I really enjoy spending time with them listening to their thoughts and feelings."
~ Parent Soup member INCHFAM

"I have a 9-year-old boy, but I have found that since he was about 3, it was during our late night talks that I heard about what was really going on in his head. I have found that many more things bother my son than I ever knew. He worries about pollution, animal extinction, nuclear waste, traffic accidents, drunk driving, to name a few. He certainly keeps me on my toes. When one of those nights occur when he wants to talk (and they don't always occur when it is convenient!), I get a blanket and pillow and lie on the floor in his room, and just listen. It is truly amazing the insights this child has. First he tells me about school, and everyday stuff, then hits the root of the problem. Listen to what your children don't say as well. That may tell you far more than what they do say. You may be surprised."
~ Stef, Arizona

Ref: http//iVillage.com

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