10 ways to make bedtime easier!

You're exhausted, it's bedtime, and your children simply will not go to bed. I've created a list of 10 ways to make bedtime easier. I came up with these tips based on my experience with my three children. Hopefully they help you too!

1) Warning is key!
We are very careful to warn our children their bedtime is coming up. We offer a verbal warning 1 hour before bedtime, 30 minutes, 20 minutes, 10 minutes and 5 minutes before bed time. We simply say, "in 30 minutes it's bedtime!" and ask for a confirmation from them, we say, "got it?". Any phrasing works so long as they're warned bedtime is coming.

2) Wind Down!
Children need time to wind down after a long day of playing and running around. Help them wind down with a bath, books or cuddles with Mama and Daddy. Dimming the lights and turning off electronics are great ways to get wind down started.

3) Develop a routine!
Children thrive on routine and they need to know what's happening next to feel comfortable. Set a nightly routine to help smooth out bedtime. This can include you putting on their pj's, followed by books, and then brushing teeth.

4) Give 'em' that lovin' feeling!
Spend a few minutes telling your child that you love him/her and making them feel special. It will be easier for them to relax off to dream land if they go down thinking about how much they're loved.

5) Don't use bedtime as a threat!
I know how easy it is to want to threaten bedtime for bad behavior but that creates negative thoughts about going to sleep. Use time outs, redirection or some other form of correction vs bedtime.

6) Remove distractions from the bedroom!
We don't allow any toys in our children's rooms, aside from one favorite stuffed animal. Toys create distractions that can make it hard for children to stay in bed and fall asleep. If you do have toys in their bedroom make sure they're out of sight, whether that be in a toy box or the closet.

7) Make it DARK!
Find some really dark shades that you can put in their windows to block out any light. This also helps prevent waking up too early from the morning sunrise or during lighting storms.

8) Offer calming music!
Some children enjoy having a cd playing while they drift off. You can choose quiet hymns, orchestra, nature sounds, etc. Any music that comforts your child can help them sleep better. You can choose to use the repeat option and have the music play continuously throughout the night or to shut off once the cd is done. It's up to you and your child if music is right for them!

9) Implement a hug/kiss rule!
Before going to bed remind your child how many hugs and kisses they can give you before going to sleep. My children love to pull the "one more hug" game and it can drag bed time out for hours. Instead, we tell them they get 5 hugs and 2 kisses, etc.

10) Don't forget the bedtime prayers!
If you're a religious family you can say prayers before bed to calm their minds. If you're not religious you can recite poems, song lyrics, etc. Just something they can be thinking on while falling asleep!

Again, use whatever tips fit best with your family and skip whichever don't fit!