A ruffled mind makes a restless pillow- Charlotte Bronte

Discipline is important

It is a challenge for parents to bring their active champs into bed. Getting these charged souls into a calm mode sometimes requires a lot of preparation and pre-planning. It is difficult for parents to understand why kids resist going to bed, when they are wanting them to. A cozy, comfortable and snuggling bedtime sometimes becomes a struggle. However establishing and maintaining a bedtime routine is worth the struggle.

All yours- my love

Parents should make these little munchkins understand that there is so much good learning involved in the hour before lights are out and that shouldn’t be missed. Bedtime is a daily opportunity, both for parents and kids to build and nurture their relationship. The conversations in this dark and quiet room are often remembered and cherished for a lifetime. This is the most appropriate time for you and your little one to build fond memories; it is that time of the day when your child gets your undivided attention and thus is ready to share some of his/ her most sensitive questions and experiences with you.

Preparing for bigger goals

Bedtime stories lay a strong foundation for love of reading. Kids enjoy listening to bedtime stories and look forward to this routine, even when they enter their teens. Keep reading aloud to them upto their teen years. It will help you stay connected in a positive way during what can be a prickly time. Reading just before sleeping, prepares your child for sleep by having him/her relaxed and wind down.

Repetitive and structured routines help children feel safe and comfortable. Repetitive chores before bedtime lets the child know what to expect and helps him/ her feel secure and independent and gain confidence to do his /her work. This learning of doing work independently at an early age makes kids understand its value and also inculcate the habit of timely settling down in bed when tired and stressed. A predictable routine gives them a sense of security and teaches them how to fall asleep on their own. Bedtime routines help children to understand and learn the concept of transition; from a busy active day to settling down for sleep. It is this time of the day to make them understand the value of how to soothe and relax themselves and wind up the day with a smile and not to forget to be thankful to the almighty.

Bedtime is nothing but a relaxed and a calm ending to the day. It is that snuggle and cuddle with parents that adds a significant measure of emotional strength to the child and family. Bedtime declares that the day is over and it is the time to bid goodbye and at the same time be charged up to welcome a new day!

Let’s list out a few do’s & don’ts for an effective bedtime routine

Bedtime Dos

While developing a bedtime routine for your child it is important to:

be consistent- consistency is a golden rule here. Children should have clarity regarding their sleeping time and waking up time; frequent deviations from bedtime will leave them baffled and uncertain about their routine. A little aberration occasionally is acceptable however it should not turn into a matter of course.

follow the order- it is not only the time that needs to be followed but also the order that needs to be followed religiously; for eg- taking a bath, brushing teeth, getting into pajamas, a small chat session, reading a few bedtime stories. You can create your own bedtime chores & order and follow them.

make the room dark- it is not only the child who needs to be prepared for sleep, but you are required to get the room ready for your little one for a sound & a peaceful nap as well. Blackout shades can be helpful in making the room inviting for your child and making them ready for a tight sleep; these shades may also allow the child to sleep a little longer in the morning.

Bedtime Don’ts

Just like there are a lot of right ways to have a good bedtime routine, there are some things one should avoid:

providing gadget zone- build a no gadget zone at least 30 minutes prior to bedtime; avoid stimulating activities especially if the child has trouble falling asleep. Watching TV, playing video games can be replaced with reading books or story telling.

late night celebrations- setting up a routine for kids in no way means that parents have to sacrifice their me time. On the contrary, setting up a routine will make your life much more sorted and straightened. Parents should avoid involving their child(ren) in late night celebrations.

poor sleep associations- sometimes parents unknowingly adopt various ways which turn into habits later; like keep playing the music/ tv throughout the night, rubbing your child’s back until he/ she falls asleep, bribing…….