Are you finding it harder to put your kids to bed? Are they becoming more defiant?
It is a struggle for many parents who have young children, but aside from the standard bedtime routines, there are some other go-to options and techniques that can help get your kids down for those all-important 40-winks.
So, here, you will be walked through some often-overlooked areas that can help to make bedtime easier for you and your children.
Clothing
Yes, many kids want to own the Pikachu onesie or another character-based piece of sleeping attire, but is that always a good thing?
In the middle of summer, no! Boys' and girls nightwear should be tailored to the season, be comfortable, loose-fitting, and made from natural materials to absorb sweat. This will help them to sleep better and will also prevent waking up at night, even during a heat wave!
The Atmosphere
Think of a room designed for sleep; it is dimply lit, cool, and has a comfy bed. There is minimal noise and a calming sensation. This is vital to help not only you sleep but also your kids. Try to keep any interruptions in the evening to a minimum: no guests, no loud noises, and no excitement. This will help them to feel more tired, so when you put them to bed, they will be more likely to sleep.
Consistency
If you are setting a bedtime routine, you will need consistency. You will also need a lot of patience! A child who has not had a bedtime routine will push boundaries, and if your child is getting out of bed to come into your room, you will need to put them back into their bed in a calm way.
Even on nights when there is no school the next day, be sure to put them to bed at the same time and make sure that they are woken up the next day at the same time. This will help with sleep hygiene and will also prevent them from waking in the middle of the night.
Food and Drink
Around bedtime, the last thing you want is your kids being hyped up and using the bathroom a lot. Or, even worse, they ask for a glass of water instead of going to sleep.
After your kids have had their dinner, try to avoid evening snacks and drinks, as these can cause bursts of energy or lead to them needing to use the toilet all the time. If there is a heatwave, then it is only logical to have a glass of water in your kid's room at night, but make sure it is only water and nothing sugary, or this can impact their dental health.
Smells
If you have ever looked into evening bubble baths for kids, you may have noticed that they all have a similar scent profile: lavender, vanilla, bergamot, and jasmine. Why? Well, these scents (and a few others) are associated with relaxation, and studies have found that smelling them can create a release of melatonin and serotonin in the brain. These are chemicals that help with sleep. So, aside from bathing your kids before bed with these aromas in the suds, it can be worth having a plug-in air freshener, too, which has these relaxing scents released into your kid's bedroom before bedtime.
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