After a long day either working outside the home or in the home the last thing you want to do is have a constant battle to get your kids to go to bed at a decent hour no matter how old they are.
Most parents can admit to having trouble getting their kids to go to bed without the Im thirsty, I need the toilet, I forgot to tell you something or the all too familiar kids that just throw a tantrum every time those words are said "ok kids it's bedtime".
The best theory with kids bedtimes is to start as you want to continue.
Meaning start your kids on a routine as young as possible.
Controlled crying is a proven theory to getting kids settled into a routineat bedtime.
Some parents are scared controlled crying will make their kids think they dont care about them but they will thank you in the long run.
Put your child into bed if they cry wait a minute then go in and check on them if nothing is wrong besides not wanting to go to bed then lay the child back down without speaking or interacting with them in any way,put the blanket on them and walk out.
KIds love to get a reaction from their frazzled parents and when they dont they may scream a little louder , yell out or do other things they wouldn't normally do but thats's OK don't let the kids make you feel you are punishing them beacause you are not .
Kids need sleep to grow and develop.
You may have to do this many times in the early days but keep it up and it will work.
For older kids that come out of their rooms take them by the hand and lead them back to bed without speaking put the blanket on and walk out this too may take many times over a few days but if you dont give in you will have success.
This also works for kids that like to get up in the middle of the night and climb into bed with you.
Take them by the hand and take them back to their room tuck them in and walk out without speaking.
One hint is to start on the weekend because you may be up a few times during the night and it will be a restless few nights but the pay off will be worth it for your whole family.
Most parents can admit to having trouble getting their kids to go to bed without the Im thirsty, I need the toilet, I forgot to tell you something or the all too familiar kids that just throw a tantrum every time those words are said "ok kids it's bedtime".
The best theory with kids bedtimes is to start as you want to continue.
Meaning start your kids on a routine as young as possible.
Controlled crying is a proven theory to getting kids settled into a routineat bedtime.
Some parents are scared controlled crying will make their kids think they dont care about them but they will thank you in the long run.
Put your child into bed if they cry wait a minute then go in and check on them if nothing is wrong besides not wanting to go to bed then lay the child back down without speaking or interacting with them in any way,put the blanket on them and walk out.
KIds love to get a reaction from their frazzled parents and when they dont they may scream a little louder , yell out or do other things they wouldn't normally do but thats's OK don't let the kids make you feel you are punishing them beacause you are not .
Kids need sleep to grow and develop.
You may have to do this many times in the early days but keep it up and it will work.
For older kids that come out of their rooms take them by the hand and lead them back to bed without speaking put the blanket on and walk out this too may take many times over a few days but if you dont give in you will have success.
This also works for kids that like to get up in the middle of the night and climb into bed with you.
Take them by the hand and take them back to their room tuck them in and walk out without speaking.
One hint is to start on the weekend because you may be up a few times during the night and it will be a restless few nights but the pay off will be worth it for your whole family.