Bedtime can often be quite challenging for parents. Children have what can only be described as a huge source of energy, and that source often kicks in during the evening. This then results in quite an exhausting series of events, and by the time the child is in bed, you as a parent are at the end of your rope. However, there are ways to avoid this! You can naturally start creating an atmosphere that will entice your toddler to start relaxing and preparing for bed, thus making your life a whole lot easier. All you have to do is create a steady routine. Here’s how!
Let them vent energy
Naturally, if they don’t get tired during the day, they won’t go to sleep in the evening. So, make sure your child has a long and productive day with plenty of activity. MindChamps childcare centres are an excellent place for that because they fill your toddler’s day out with plenty of play and learning, all through numerous fun activities.
If you don’t have access to those centres or if your child has to stay home for some reason, just do your best to wear them out. Play with them, maybe give them simple chores, things like that. Come bedtime, this will make your job a lot easier.
Baths and hygiene
Just as you yourself may find baths relaxing and soothing, they can have the same effect on your toddler. Warm water combined with some relaxing scents in the shampoo you have for them are bound to get them ready for sleep. And if you add a bit of relaxing music into the mix, you will see some great results for sure.
You can also read them a book to get them ready for that.
It is also important to instill the habits regarding their personal hygiene in them. Brush teeth with them, show them how to wash their faces and keep doing that every evening so that you know they have the habit of doing these vital things.
Obviously, this doesn’t have to (and shouldn’t) be all that serious. Try to come up with some simple games to play, let them use their favorite toys during the bath, or race them who can put their PJs on faster.
Relaxing after dinner
Make the time after dinner family time. Snuggle up under a blanket and watch a movie, read a story or propose some other activity that allows everyone to relax and wind down. The child will want to participate if they see that adults are doing it.
Once you decide what to do that evening, turn the lights off and put all your mobile devices away – this is family time, remember? Feeling cozy and relaxed is the only thing that matters, and dim lights help this a lot. This is what MindChamps Early Learning Centre in Mascot excels at – creating a soothing atmosphere when it’s time for a nap.
Also, make sure it’s not too warm in your house/apartment. This makes the idea of climbing into your bed and warming up there quite attractive, doesn’t it?
Leave the night light on
Leaving some sort of night light on is a good idea for several reasons. First of all, it can help if your child is afraid of the dark or is worried about the monsters in the closet or something like that. A source of light disperses all those fears and helps everyone get a good night’s sleep.
But you can also buy one of those night lights that projects various images and shapes on the walls of the bedroom. This can also create quite a soothing atmosphere and help your child fall asleep faster.
Be consistent
Rules and routines are not something children are exactly eager to accept, so it’s vital that you persevere and consistent with your demands and that you insist on implementing a familiar routine every single night.
Sure, some changes have to be made as children grow, but you can adjust this gradually.
Some basic rules have to be adhered to, though, and only after certain conditions have been met can the toddler enjoy the more fun part of bedtime such as cuddling or reading a book.
Also, keep in mind that long struggles during bedtime may indicate that the child is feeling somewhat neglected and wants more attention from you. That’s an important fact to consider if you want to avoid problems when putting your child to bed.
Keep them happy and you just might have some time for yourself after they fall asleep.
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