If you are a parent, you have probably
experienced on more than one occasion the epic battle that is trying to get
your little ones to bed.
Research has shown that children who fail
to get enough sleep on a night are more likely to be restless, agitated and
less motivated. In addition, your child’s lack of sleep can have a knock on
effect on you too, leaving you feeling tired and with little time to complete
essential tasks that you would have done while they were sleeping.
If the regular bedtime battles are getting
too much for you to handle, follow these top tips and regulate your routine…
Remove
distractions
Most of the time when children are refusing
to go to sleep, it is because they do not want to miss what is going on around
them. It can be especially difficult to get your child to sleep if they have an
older sibling who is allowed to stay up later than them.
If your child has an older sibling, you
should clearly explain to them that the reason their brother or sister is
allowed to stay up later is because they are older, and that when they reach
that age, they will be able to as well.
In order to try and get your child to bed
at a reasonable hour, you should remove all distractions from their bedrooms.
Televisions, electronic toys and other gadgets, can be simply too tempting for
your child when they should be sleeping.
Try to have a quiet house when you put them
to bed. Keep distracting noise, like the television or radio, to a minimum to
keep them from hearing and wanting to know what’s going on.
Use
their own bed
For some children, the reason why they
don’t want to go to bed is because they don’t want to be separated from their
parents in their own room. As tempting as it is to give in and let your child sleep
in your bed, this will only produce a routine where your child’s bed is
constantly empty.
If your child attempts to get into your bed
during the night, keep returning them to their own bed until they realise it is
a pointless activity. You may experience a few sleepless nights using this
technique, but it will be worth it in the long run.
Decorate their bedroom in a way that makes
it seem more appealing to sleep in. Go for bedding with their favourite
characters on, and remove any toys that could produce any scary shadows at
night. If your child is scared of the dark, a nightlight is a great addition
that will ensure your child’s peace of mind and confidence in sleeping.
Ensure
their comfort
Another factor that may affect your child’s
sleeping is how comfortable their bed is. Just like with adults, an
uncomfortable mattress can produce a hellish night sleep. Mattresses should be
replaced every 5 to 7 years, so if your child’s mattress is a bit on the old
side you should consider investing in a new one.
If your little ones wriggle about and lie
in odd positions in their sleep, it may be worth buying a memory foam mattress.
This special technology works to adjust to your body shape, providing the upmost
comfort and support.
A good set of pillows and fluffy quilt will
finish off your child’s bed, providing them with everything they need for an
excellent night’s sleep.
Give these tips a try, and give you and
your child the perfect rest you need.
