How to Take the Fuss Out of Bedtime

The day has been long, and its pulling to a close, but that beautiful child of yours won't go to sleep. If you are among the many of us parents or guardians who have ever tried to put a tired child to bed who just won't have it, then you are a part of the club. The club I speak of have members that walk around all day like zombies because they didn't get enough sleep the night before. My children are 9 and 11 now, and after an unmentionable amount of times of going through night-time traumas, I've discovered some methods that really do work.

Bedtime at 8 O'Clock Sharp

Keep bedtime consistent. Figure out a time when its best for your child to go to bed, and make that bedtime every night. Our human bodies, even as babies, are programmed to work on schedules, especially when it concerns sleep Once your child becomes accustomed to going to bed at a certain time, then he will oftentimes fall asleep on his own.

A Warm Bath

Getting a warm bath before bed helps the body to relax and set the tone for sleepy little ones. It helps sooth worn muscles and bumps and bruises. The warm water helps alleviate stress (even small children experience stress), and calms nerves. Once your child is calm, sleep comes much easier.

Lavender

Lavender is one of those aromas that helps calm nerves and aids in the body's natural ability to sleep. Its rich aroma works on adults and children alike. You can mix a drop or two of natural lavender oil in your child's bath or put a couple of drops on a small saucer near her bed. You can even put five or six drops in a small spray bottle mixed with water, and just spritz some in the air in your child's bedroom.

Bedtime Story

Giving your child something to look forward at bedtime works magically. Bedtime stories are wonderful for this. It gives you and your child special alone time together, and opens up his imagination when its time to turn out the light. It can take the place of hard play or rough housing (both bad ideas for just before bed). Once the story is over, then your little tyke can daydream himself off into sleep land.

Sounds

When my children were very small, even after I had done everything I just mentioned above, my daughter still had trouble drifting off. Quite by accident I discovered that a noise machine was what we needed. My daughter had been playing with one in her bedroom and forgot to turn it off. She had left it on the "natural heart beat" sound, and with its aid, had fallen asleep in record time. Whenever it was used, it worked every time. White noise, rain, and ocean sounds are all also good noises to help lull your child to sleep.

Be Firm

No matter what, when its bedtime, its bedtime. You have to be firm about the matter. You're the one in charge, and you have to let your child know that bedtime is not open for debate. It is crucial for both you and your child to get enough sleep to stay healthy. Even when your child begs to stay up, or pitches a fit, you can't give in.

Bedtime can be wonderful. It's that special time of relaxation. It can be a positive experience that sets the tone for a productive and happy day for you and your child.