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Getting into a sleep routine that works for your children might take some time and effort as well as a great amount of patience. It is totally worth it in the end. Children who get the required amount of sleep are less irritable, able to focus well in school, and more active.
The key to remember is that all children are different and the same routine that works for one family many not work for another family. You may have to try out a variety of ideas to find out what works for your own family. Here are some tips to help get started.
1. Be consistent with your bedtime routine
Routines are especially important for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers. Doing specific things before bed, such as bathing, reading stories, or singing signals your children what is coming next. For older children, the routine might include a quiet chat with you about the day then some time alone relaxing before lights out.
2. Keep sleep and wake times regular
Keep your child's bedtimes and wake-up times within 1-2 hours of each other each day. This helps to keep your child’s body clock in a regular pattern.
3. Ensure your children feel safe at night
Children who do not feel safe at night may feel stressed and have trouble falling asleep. It is best to avoid scary TV shows, movies and computer games. You can also try introducing a nightlight.
4. Get enough natural light during the day
Encourage your child to get as much natural light as possible during the day, especially in the morning. Bright light suppresses melatonin. This helps your child feel awake and alert during the day and sleepy towards bedtime.
5. Include dental hygiene in your bedtime routine
Whether you are cleaning your baby's gums or reminding your older child to brush and floss his teeth, proper dental hygiene is a good habit that you can include in your child's bedtime routine each night.
6. Avoid screens in the bedroom
Tablets, smartphones, TVs and other electronic gadgets can affect how easily children get to sleep. Try to keep their bedrooms a screen-free zone.
7. Create a comfortable sleeping environment
Make sure the bedroom is dark and quiet and the noise level in the house is low. If your child does not like a totally dark room, turn on a small night light, or leave the hall light on and the door to the bedroom open.
8. Ensure your children visit the bathroom prior to sleep
Remind your children to use the bathroom one last time just before going to bed. This is especially important for younger children who have issues with bedwetting.
9. Reduce the focus on sleep
Nobody likes to perform under pressure. The same holds true for children. Instead of pressuring them to fall asleep focus more on the idea of relaxation and calming their body down.
10. Choose your routine wisely
You may have to try out various methods before you find what works. Once you di kids right now. And with one or two kids, baths every night, reading multiple stories, and singing endless songs might work for you.
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