Finding Ways to Tame Those Bedtime Battles

Boy upset because it's bedtime

One of the first things that you need to do when having trouble at bedtime with your kids is to put a stop to thinking that it's a battle. There are ways to conquer this! You just need to be open minded and take some time to learn some tips and tricks that have helped others. Let's look at some of those tips now.

How do you normally approach bedtime? Give this some thought. Why do you handle bedtime in this way? Is this the way you choose to do things or are you taking advice from others? You need to figure out how you are currently handling the situation, and from there you can figure out how to change it to make things easier for all involved. If it's not going smoothly, then something is not working and it's time for a change!

Have others led you to believe that children need to be in bed at a certain time each night and that they must fall to sleep by themselves in less than 20 minutes? It's important to look at your own situation and not let what others think influence your decisions. Each and every person is different from the next. Look at your temperament and look at your child's temperament. There are times when you just need to focus on what's best for you and your child rather than others who expect more.

Start thinking about Incentives and rewards! Once you have created a bedtime schedule that works for both you and your children, you may want to consider rewarding them for following through on their end. After all, when you are rewarded and are recognized for something, it makes you feel special and it helps you to want to achieve it again and again! This really gets the kids motivated and gives them something to look forward to!

Give the kids a chance to earn some play money or tickets at bedtime. Turn it into a game. Make it fun and motivational. If your child is in bed at the bedtime you have decided on, they could earn so much play money or perhaps a few tickets. You can also encourage the kids to stay quiet after you turn out the lights, or perhaps they do not get out of bed once tucked in. This could be a little tough at first. But hang in there. Let them earn the play money or tickets. They will love this!

Although the kids can earn play money and tickets, they also can lose them as well. For instance, if the child doesn't listen, or has a temper tantrum, this would cost them some of that money or a couple of tickets. When assessing how many tickets or dollars that your child should earn or lose, take their age into consideration. Make sure your expectations are not set too high. Make it all age appropriate.

At the end of the week, the kids should have play money and tickets. That's exciting! Job well done! But what can they do with these tickets or the money? Let them buy some extra TV or playtime before bed. Use your imagination and make it fun. If they have fun with this that means you will have won this battle!

Stand firm with your limits. All children try to get a little bit extra of something in right before bed. Whether it is just one more bedtime story, or just one more cartoon, they will try them all. It's very important that you set your limits and stand firm. Never underestimate the mind of a child. They are smart cookies! There will be a time now and again that you'll give in but make sure it's within your limits.

Establish a routine for bedtime. Depending on each child's age, the routine can be different. Be sure to make a custom routine for each child. For the younger child you may consider creating a bed time chart so that they know exactly what needs to be done. For example you might put the words "bath time", or a picture of a bathtub, as well as "brushing teeth" or perhaps a picture of a toothbrush. Having a routine for a child is important and it makes them feel more secure. This will keep them motivated to stay on task and they will less likely push any limits that you have set.

Finding Ways to Tame Those Bedtime Battles

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