Get Children to Sleep Fast

A child can drag out bed-time like no other. I have definitely had my share of bedtime delays, having four children. With each challenge, parents can certainly get creative. And through the years, I have learned a few solid tricks that get kids to sleep fast - most of the time. If you are looking to get to sleep tonight, check out our top 10 tricks sure to get kids to sleep fast.

1. Routine - When a child has a night time routine, they will learn what is expected and feel less anxious about bedtime. This routine should include a half hour of quiet time (like reading) prior to "lights-out." Also, be sure to curb sugar intake at least two hours before bed.

2. Warm Bath - A warm bath at night is proven to relax muscles, which can take a wound-up child down a notch prior to bed. Make sure to mention to the child how the warm water is working to relax their muscles. Half of the power of the bath is for the child to believe that they are winding down.

Of course, this loses all effect if there are a million toys in the bathtub that stimulate the child. On evenings you really need this to work, light a candle and turn off the lights in the bathroom. Tell the child that you have heard this is the best way to relax. (Do not leave a lit candle unattended.) Tell the child a sweet story while you bathe them and stick around to dry them off and get their pajamas on. Staying with the child gives them the attention they usually cry for after bedtime. As a bonus, you are around to keep the activity and conversation calm.

Be sure to do nothing to wind your child up between the bath and the bed.

3. Water and a Night Light - Two reasons a child gets out of bed most often is for a drink, or because it's too dark. Before tucking them in, make sure there is fresh water on the nightstand and a nightlight they can see. Say to the child, "You have water and a light. You are all set to rest. No getting up." Set the expectation.

4. Morning's coming - Preparing for the next day can help reduce anxiousness and help children fall asleep faster. After you have tucked your child in their bed, move around the room picking up. Talk about the plan for tomorrow, laying out clothes and the back pack. Use a monotone voice to help lull the child. End the conversation with, "You are all set - nothing to do now, but rest."

5. Pray - A prayer can be the most calming thing ever. It offers the chance to close your eyes (always a good start) and be still, speaking to a power unseen - a source of peace.

6. Music - If your child can't fall asleep due to fear, distract them with music. Buy a CD in 2x4 or 4x4 time, which is in time with a heartbeat. Country music, gospel, lullabies, and many instrumental soundscapes are in this meter. Music floating softly on the breeze may be just what your child needs to be distracted a measure more from eerie thoughts that haunt.

7. Fan - If a ceiling fan isn't working the power of "white noise," purchase a small desk fan. The simple hum of a small fan can help anyone keep their eyes closed, or their mind distracted just enough to drift off. If you haven't already, tell your child about white noise and how it helps people fall asleep. Education is half the battle. Overtime, they will learn to self-soothe when they are tense at night - which is the ultimate goal.

8.Wall Coverings - You might be surprised what a poster on the ceiling or the wall they face when they sleep will do for bedtime. If they have something interesting to look at that takes their imagination away, they might drift faster. Color is also very critical to creating mood. The colors green, purple and blue work best to relax. Green is easiest on the eyes and most calming. If night time has spooked your child far too long, consider a decor change. Of course, tell them all the benefits of the new color and you may have a won the battle...simply because they believe you - or the color psychology really DID the job! Who cares why? It worked!

9. Check for Monsters - If your child repeats a fear such as monsters under the bed or in the closet, make it part of the "tuck in" process to check the closet and under the bed thoroughly for monsters. Let the child see you check and make a joke out of it. Assure them they are safe.

10. Dream Catcher - The classic "dream catcher" (found at any reputable truck stop) along with the story of how Native Americans believed the contraption would "catch" all bad dreams, has proven to offer a calming effect. If your child is fearful of bad dreams, this is a total perception-is-reality fix, whether you believe in the ancient powers of the dream catcher or not. Most often, sleep-time fears are in a child's mind. If you can win their mind, you've got them!

Last but certainly not least, never underestimate the power of a great story. There is definitely a reason bed-time stories were created. Let it be noted, this is not suggestion number 14...because each of the 13 listed are really their own story. Talk out what you are doing and why. These efforts will encourage little ones to understand your focus on bed-time and the glorious thing we call sleep.