5 Tips for Better Bedtimes

Sleep is important for our well-being and it is even more important for a child's development. Children who are short on sleep will be hyperactive, impulsive, irritated, and have a short attention span. Apart from that, they will also have to face long-term effects that manifest themselves in the form of poor health, low academic performance, and unhealthy emotions. It's best to avoid these, and here's how you can play your part.

Sleep Comes First

To make your little ones feel even a bit sleepy, the entire family has to play a part. Create a silent and calm environment that will promote sleeping. It is your duty to tell all family members to hit the sack at a pre-determined time. Only when the environment around children is not engaging and fun, will they drift off to sleep. You can be assured that they are getting enough sleep when they become calm within 30 minutes of going to bed and, do not feel sleepy during the day.

Fix a routine and follow it! Time and again, studies have shown that with a disciplined and consistent routine, children learn to be sleepy. Even little ones with moderate sleep problems respond well to this procedure. Establish a regimen every night that should not extend for more than 30 minutes. Be firm during this duration to prevent ruining your child's routine. Remember, a sleep missed once, can be missed again. So don't let that happen to you.

Bedtime Snack

Children eat more to support their development and active lifestyle. But, as we all know, a heavy meal prior to bedtime is not a recipe for sound sleep. Give your children a small but healthy meal that will fuel their development throughout the night without interfering with their sleep. Some good suggestions are cereals with milk, vegetables, and fruits. Sugary snacks and caffeinated drinks are a strict no.

Children are highly mischievous. They will do all they can in their power to delay the inevitable. One of their most formidable weapons in this regard is the "one last request" thing. There will always be something that comes up at the last moment, which will be reasonable enough to be not declined. Your tactic here will be to understand these requests and make provisions for them in the 30 minute regimen before bedtime. Being firm and understanding is the key here.

Separation Anxiety

Children go through the fear of letting their parents go. This is normal as they are attached to their parents and do not wish to be away from them. The situation can be addressed in the form of a substitute, such as a teddy bear, doll or even a blanket. These things, which are termed as 'security objects' instil a sense of security in them and reassure them that everything is right with the world, thereby helping them to fall asleep.

That is all you need to do to put your child to sleep. Do these things right and you will raise a brilliant and healthy individual ready to take on the world.

That is all you need to do to put your child to sleep. Do these things right and you will raise a brilliant and healthy individual ready to take on the world.