One of the most hectic times for a parent is bedtime. For me, my daughter is shocked every night when I put her in pajamas and she puts up a good fight. Lately, she’s gotten into the habit of calling me back to her room over and over again, stalling bedtime for a good 45 minutes. I suppose I’m not alone – 52 percent of children between about ages 3 and 5 stall at bedtime, according to a 2004 National Sleep Foundation study.
I’ve been frantically looking for some ways that may make bedtime a calmer, more peaceful time of day. I thought I’d share with you a few tips I found. Do you have any I missed?
10 Tips For A More Peaceful Bedtime
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1. Let them decide when to go to sleep. This may sound a little crazy at first, but read this article from A Mom With A Lesson Plan and I’ll bet you try it!
2. Feed them a banana or tart cherry juice.
3. Do not stress or yell. Remember, rushing is counterproductive and the more you nag, the slower they will go. From The Orange Rhino.
4. Help them wind down with a glowing sensory bottle. You can easily make this at home and it gives them something to peacefully focus on at bedtime. From Kids Activities Blog.
5. Do yoga. Yes, even the youngest kids can do these three yoga poses to help them relax before bedtime. From Parenting.com
6. Make your own Lavender linen spray on your kids sheets like this one from Back to Her Roots. Research shows that the scent of lavender eases anxiety and insomnia.
7. Recite a few calming words and ask your kids to repeat them back to you. This helps kids unwind and connect with you. From Kids Activities Blog.
8. Watch what they eat. Certain foods will prevent them from sleeping so stay away from anything containing sugar, caffeine, carbs or protein. From Attachment Parenting.
9. Give them a relaxing massage to help their body wind down. Use these instructions from MomJunction.
10. Turn off the TV. Children fall asleep faster if they have been away from a screen for two hours prior to bedtime. From Positive Parenting Solutions.
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Liz is a just a mom trying to keep it real about how little she sleeps, how often she gets puked on and how much she loves them. You can find her here every day writing about real-mom moments.
great tips! Have to try the banana one!
We started a no tv after teatime at half 5, she is heading for bed between half 6 and 7ish, 2 storys, same ones, teeth and a wee. She is asleep within 5 minutes of turning out the light. Total bliss, if only she would sleep through.
Chamomile tea is great for getting little ones to sleep. My kiddos love it!
my baby is just a toddler now, tv time is limited, could i just add that reading to him short books like Sleep well my baby really helps at evening time, also a great bonding time 🙂
We have a battle every night at bedtime. I’m currently doing the opposite to your 3rd tip!! It’s exhausting for both of us and I’m looking for ways to improve it. I’m thinking of trying changing the order that we do things, and getting a tooth brushing timer to make that fun instead of a battle. Wish me luck!!
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