The Bed-time Routine that Saved Us!

I can't say that my husband and I have ever really struggled with getting our kids in bed and asleep. I have to attribute this fact to the bedtime routine that we had established early on in our children's life. They know exactly what is happening each evening, and what will come next. This helps them to prepare their body and minds for a night of peaceful slumber! I'll explain each step we follow, and the importance of why we follow the routine!

30 minutes before bed time we serve the kids a beverage. Generally this is a cup of milk. We started this practice from the very first day of our children's lives. As infant's it was a before bed nursing session, and as the aging process went on, went to a bottle then sippy cup, and eventually a standard child size plastic cup. This gives your child and time to sit quietly and fill their tummy. This is a great time to talk with your child about the day and prepare him or her for what is coming up in the next few days.

20 minutes before bed time we go to the bedroom to put on pajamas. We usually allow our child to choose the pj's they want to wear for the night. This gives them some control in the situation so they feel that their opinion matters! Dress your child according to the weather, and be sure their pajamas are rated safe for flammability. In the summer, dress your child in soft clothing that will allow for moisture to move away from his or her body. Cotton is always the best choice for sleep wear no matter what the season! Warm fleece pajamas make an excellent choice for cool nights and will keep your child warm and cozy throughout the night. We also brush teeth, go potty and wash hands at this time.

10 minutes before bedtime we head to bed, giving kisses to all the family members that are not going to bed yet. This is a favorite time in my household as lots of kisses are given and received! Once we are in the bedroom, the child climbs into bed and several stories are read. We cover and tuck in the child with their favorite blankets to be sure they will be warm through the night. 2-3 books is a good amount, that will give the child some more wind down time and relax them so they can fall asleep quickly.

After the stories are read, we pray and then it's some more kisses and then the light is off and the door is left open only an inch. If the room is too light, your child may play for a long time before finally closing his or her eyes and drifting off to sleep. If you feel you must close the door, you may want to provide a small night light for a soft glow in the room. This will allow you to peek in and observe if you need to.

Bedtime is a difficult time for a child as they just want to stay up and play all the time. Sleep is so important to your child's growth and development and of course for your own sanity! A well rested child is generally a happy child, so let's try to make bed time a happy time for everyone! Following this simple routine will allow your child to drift off to sleep happily and wake up ready for the day the next morning!