Getting Children to Bed

A:  Bed time is an event that can come with a blessing and a curse.  The blessing is once they are in bed, its time for the parents to relax and enjoy some together time.  However the curse can be getting them there.  
Developing good bedtime behavior is a process and encoumpases several steps.  The first is predictability.  As I have stated before, children need and thrive on routine.  If a child knows the go to bed at 8:00 every night, then when its 8:00, it should never come as a surprise.  Your routine should encompass the same 3 things every night, a warning, dressing and washing time, and a story.  If your children’s bedtime is 8:00, give them a warning at 7:30 that they need to get ready for bed in 15 minutes. I would suggest getting a timer that the children can see for a visual queue for the count down.  This is now your queue to get their things in order.  Get their pj’s and toothbrushes ready for 7:45.  Once 7:45 has come get the bathroom routine in check followed up with pj’s.  Once the children are ready get them into their respective bedrooms or all together in one for a story and prayers.  This gives the children a sense of community and a chance to defuse/check-in from their day.  
I realize that this all sounds like a fairy tale ending to a day, however if the parents do this over and over again, the children will follow.  Once again, that routine will help the children fall into their place and if lead for the children, they will follow.  

Pleasant dreams everyone.  

Trevor works as a child protection worker and a licensed registered Social Worker in his home province.  During his schooling and training he specialized in mental illness and addictions.  He looks forward to answering your questions on mental illness, addictions, parenting or child behavior. 

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