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Bed Time!
No, not going!
Does this sound like your home too?
This is how my evening routing usually starts!!!!
How do you handle bed times when your child is of the age to make it clear they are not ready for bed.
Have a set routine
Copy the same routine each night
Have meals at a certain time
Start doing quiet activities so they are calm
Keep to the same bed time
By having a set routine, you are not springing bed time on them, they have the security of knowing this is normal life, I know what is happening next. It is comforting for them
Winding them down
A warm bath or shower as part of their evening regime
A milky warm drink
No video games after tea
None of us would want to be running around hectic and then be expected to drop off to sleep, winding down is all part of the preparation for a good night sleep
Preparing for the next day
Talk about what is planned for the next day
If they have school/playgroup get their clothes/bags all ready
This is another security blanket for the child, talking and planning for the next day, gives them something positive to think about, they know what is happening the next day and can look forward to it
Putting them to bed
At the same time each night, show them the clock, let them be aware as the time goes, how long until bed time
Do not expect them to put themselves to bed
Make bedtime a special part of the day for the child
The parent putting them to bed, stays with them for an allocated time
You can read them a story, chat about the events of the day
Keep things light no heavy discussions before sleep
Again this is all about keeping things calm and quiet. It is about fulfilling their contentment about going to sleep happily, no monsters!!! no arguements!!!!
My child won't stay in bed !!
I had a child from this category and believe me there is nothing you can do but persevere.
Do not reward the child for getting out of bed,
Rewards can be cuddles as they have come back to say they love you
Or rewards can be a cross word as they are in a temper from being put to bed
Keep to the same routine if they get out of bed
Take them straight back, put them into bed, kiss goodnight and LEAVE
As soon as you stay and talk, there is their reward
My daughter I counted one night of her getting out of bed almost 70 times in 3 hours!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Not only one night was this tried but for a period of 2 years, so I know all about the temptations of leaving them to sit with you if they are going to be quiet
However,
the sooner they realise you mean it
the better and easier for you both
Don't be alarmed, hopefully the extent my daughter went to is RARE
A successfully bedtime routine, is soon looked upon as pleasurable and an event that the child relates to being another day over.
Now
Whats on tomorrow????
The key to a successful bedtime is PERSEVERANCE 
(February 2007) (
! Well, it motivates her! (ie 1 finger chocolare for all three tickets, 1 small "mouse" choc for 2 and a mean choc raisin if only one ticket is left). 
