Parenting Tips: Healthy Sleep Habits for Kids

Encouraging healthy sleep habits for kids can be a struggle at best. Finding the perfect mix of pre-bedtime wind down activities to help the child become relaxed in preparation for bed sometimes becomes trial and error in a mix of different strategies to get the perfect formula for your family. I came across a great article from the Wall Street Journal with a bounty of ways to take on the challenging goal of getting your kids to sleep.

Regular Bed Times

If you can be successful in setting a regular bedtime and then stick to it, even on weekends, you'll find a lot of your problems will be solved. Getting this piece of the puzzle in place saves a lot of frustration in the future. The road may be rough getting there, however, once you reach the point of a regular routine being followed, you're home free.

Ban Technology Before Bed

Keeping the kids off of the computer, as well as video games that stimulate them is a big part of slowing the crew down. I know reading before bed is a helpful activity for making the kids drowsy in my house. Sometimes setting everyone up in the living room with blankets and pillows on the floor and a snack can be a cozy and inviting way to promote the end of the night.

Don't Use Sleep For Punishment

Using early bedtimes as a way to punish sends a negative message to the kids regarding sleep. It's important to keep the kids feeling as though sleep is a positive, thing that they feel good about doing at the end of the day. Same is true for the opposite scenario. Using sleep as a way to reward good behavior can send the message that sleep times can be manipulated. Then you're dealing with kids that are always trying to cut a deal with you about their bedtime.

Limit Caffeine

Be sure to cut off all caffeinated types of food and drinks by 4 p.m. or thereabouts. Especially if your one of the parents that has a significant problem with bedtimes. Included in this category is chocolate, soda, hot cocoa, and anything with chocolate mixed into it. The last thing a tired parent needs to deal with at the end of a busy day is a child that's been revved up on a lot of caffeine prior to bed.

Establishing a routine for bed with the kids isn't out of reach with continuity and consistency. Before long the problem will have been overcome and your nights will be peaceful.