How to stop bedtime battle and help children who are wide awake when they should be sleeping.
For this, let’s explore four common mistakes made at bedtime, and how we can rectify them:
- Create a Routine
Children thrive on routine, especially at bedtime. Establishing a regular bedtime schedule helps signal to their bodies that it’s time to wind down. We start by creating a calming atmosphere an hour before bedtime. We dim the lights, limit screen time, and engage in relaxing activities like reading or gentle music. Consistency is key to helping kids transition smoothly into sleep. - Insufficient Physical Activity
Active kids can struggle to settle down at night. We try to ensure that our time spent with children allows them enough physical exercise during the day to expend excess energy. We encourage outdoor play and movement-based activities. If indoor play is necessary, we engage them in energetic games or dance sessions to tire them out before bedtime. - Unintentionally Rewarding Wakefulness
While it’s natural to comfort children when they can’t sleep, we are cautious not to inadvertently reinforce wakefulness. We avoid offering treats during nighttime awakenings. Instead, we provide brief reassurance and gently guide them back to bed to discourage prolonged wakefulness. - Inconsistency in Rules and Boundaries
Clear and consistent bedtime rules are essential for promoting healthy sleep habits. We ensure that children understand the expectations and consequences for bedtime behavior and stick to established rules and boundaries without exception to avoid confusion and resistance. We try to implement positive reinforcement strategies, such as earning extra privileges for consistent bedtime compliance.
Addressing these common bedtime mistakes and implementing consistent routines and boundaries helps children to achieve better sleep and wake up refreshed for the day ahead.
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