Kids need good sleep to be able to develop and learn, and to function at their best each and every day. With the school year starting up soon, this is more important now than ever, especially if they had crazy sleep habits all summer.
However, getting kids to bed on time can prove to be a struggle at times, as they just want to keep going.
Bedtime strategies to get kids to bed on time for a healthy night’s sleep
Bedtime routine
It is important for kids to have a consistent bedtime routine, as this allows them to be aware of what is expected. The bedtime routine is paramount for ensuring that children get to bed on time. I would argue that the routine itself is more important than the actual timing and schedule, because life happens, and the routine can be constant whether they are on vacation or getting ready for school the next day.
Let them know that bedtime is approaching, as this allows them to finish activities in time. Before the bedtime schedule starts, enlist everyone to help clear away and prepare for bedtime, so the home feels calm and organized, ready for sleeping. Turn the lights down, and set the tone ready for bed. Each night have a set routine that works and stick to it. Having a warm drink and a bath can help to settle kids in preparation for sleep. Ensure they brush their teeth and visit the bathroom before heading to bed.
Time to relax ready for sleep
About thirty minutes before bedtime “unplug” and lower the tone to allow for calming activities so that children can desensitize ready for sleeping. Some kids may need more time because they are more easily overstimulated by screens and the blue light.
Turn off all electrical items such as the TV, computers, music, and any other electronic gadgets that keep kids alert. Ensure there is time for reading and quiet activities that can be enjoyed together for some quality bonding time before bed. Spending time winding down from the day is imperative, as it allows children to get ready for sleep. Going to bed feeling calm and relaxed helps them to drift off to sleep peacefully with minimal fuss.
Settling down
Having time to unwind from the day is an important part of the bedtime routine, and this will prevent any fuss and bedtime struggles. Spending quality time with the kids just before they go to bed will ensure that they are happy. If the children are happy they will be able to relax into sleep easily to get a healthy night’s sleep.
What you do is up to you! Reading, telling stories to each other in the dark, doing relaxation exercises, letting them tell you about their day, or even counting sheet can be a good way to wind down.
Ensure their bedroom is conducive for sleep, and that the room is tidied before bedtime. Check that the room is at a comfortable temperature, and the bed is relaxing. Once the bedtime routine is complete and they are tucked up in bed, say goodnight and leave the room quietly.
Getting a good night’s sleep
Getting kids to bed on time is imperative to ensure that they get a good night’s rest ready to tackle the day ahead, and to be able to absorb the world around them, as children are learning all the time. Children are better behaved and are happier when they have had the right amount of sleep, and they show more interest in activities when they are refreshed from getting enough sleep. Food and sleep are fuel for the growing child, and both ensure that kids thrive and develop healthily. Getting kids to bed on time is important for their health and development.
How to Get Kids to Bed on Time!
Establishing a consistent bedtime routine will make kids more compliant, and bedtimes will be much more calm and peaceful, and a time to bond. Having a consistent bedtime routine allows kids to relax into the nighttime routine. Following the simple strategies above will ensure that kids will get a healthy night’s sleep to allow them to function at their best.