Here are some great tips from Dr. Eileen to help with your child’s bedtime routine…
Children need to sleep well in order to grow optimally, eat well, learn at school and handle the daily stresses of relationships with friends/family. Having a consistent bedtime and sleep routine will go a long way towards establishing life long healthy sleep habits.
Have a regular bedtime and stick to it.
Use the same phrase to indicate it is bedtime each night. Anticipate requests for a drink of water or another story. Provide the requested drink, limit the number of stories and then indicate that it is now time to go to bed.
Make bedtime a positive experience. It should be a happy time when everyone is starting to wind down and share a hug. Include a favorite stuffed animal or blanket for extra security if it helps your child to fall asleep in their own bed.
Develop a sleep routine that may include a bath/shower, reading/making up a story (that features your child) or soothing music. Set a limit for how many stories or songs but let your child help to choose what they will do within those limits.