Creating an Effective Bedtime Schedule for Your Child

"Can we stay up just a little longer?" "How about just until Dad gets home?"

This type of bargaining on the part of children who don't want to go to sleep is a very familiar sound to most parents. But giving in to your child's nightly requests to avoid bedtime can turn into a frustrating experience.

You want the ritual of bedtime to be consistent so that you have time alone when "Dad gets home."

How do you go about creating an effective bedtime schedule for your child, then, when your child is restless and wants to stay up?

"Bedtime" Defined

Creating an effective bedtime schedule for your child first depends on defining what "bedtime" means.

Basically, bedtime refers to quiet time. It is when your child goes to his or her room and begins the process of falling asleep. In this sense, creating an effective bedtime schedule doesn't have to rely on an attitude of coercion or be something that is forced.

Bedtime is a nightly ritual that makes use of your child's natural ability to fall asleep.

The Routine of Bedtime

Creating an effective bedtime schedule for your child is also made easier if you associate bedtime with certain nightly routines.

It will become obvious to your child that the day is coming to an end once they are told to brush their teeth and change clothes.

The purpose of having a routine of bedtime is to take the surprises out of ending the day.

When your child is brushing their teeth, for example, they will recognize that bedtime is inevitable. If bedtime is inevitable, your child will be less likely to make excuses.

You can also warn them in advance: "Bedtime is in one hour." This warning will help them prepare emotionally for the bedtime that is soon coming.

Room for Flexibility?

Creating an effective bedtime schedule has the purpose of eliminating the frustration which often comes when restless children don't want to go to sleep.

But is there room for flexibility in this effective bedtime schedule? Should older children have the same bedtime schedule as younger children?

What about weekends? Is Friday night the time when the kids get to stay up late?

As you create an effective bedtime schedule, you will want to consider the pros and cons behind these questions.

An effective bedtime schedule that works for one family might not be as successful in another family.