Bedtime battles: How YOU Can Stop Them
If you have children then you are surely familiar with bedtime battles. These bedtime problems are not limited to any one age; they start when the child is young and they last into the teenage years.
The only thing that does change, though, is the cause of these fights; A small child may be over tired and over stimulated, therefore unable to soothe themselves. An older child, on the other hand, may be more interested in playing video games (which in themselves can be very stimulating) or talking on the phone.
Another reason for children bedtime struggles is that in many homes and families, evening time is the most exciting time of the day. This is when people may visit and friends may call. It is a time that parents and kids can “chill” together. And, believe me; kids don’t want to miss a thing! They will go to great lengths to make absolutely sure that they don’t!
However, we cannot only blame the children, the parents are often times accomplices to the bedtime difficulties. They are tired after a long day and are looking forward to some quiet time either by themselves or with their spouse. There is nothing wrong with this. However, a by-product of this is that they become anxious for the children to go to sleep and a little edgy. The children pick up on this and act accordingly (according to their agenda!)
What ever the reason for the child not wanting to go to sleep the result is the same: the parent feels harried and searching for assistance.
Whatever the reason for the bedtime battles is really unimportant. What is important is that the children have a fixed bedtime routine which experts contend is very important to help them fall asleep easily and have a good night sleep It is worth the bother. A little effort in the beginning will pay off later.
Don’t just stick your child in the bed and tell them to read for a while then go to sleep. You can’t put your child on cruise control and expect them to magically fall asleep. They often require some assistance from you. You may need to sit with them for a while, perhaps even talking softly with them. This can become a treasured time for you, a time when you get to connect with your child one on one without the typical distractions and interruptions.
Effective Bedtime Routines to Stop
Bedtime Battles
- NO TV or video games right before bed. Make turning off the television and X-Box about an hour before bed a regular part of your bedtime routine.
- A light bedtime snack. A word of advice; steer clear of sugary snacks or those that contain caffeine such as chocolate. These can increase a child’s energy and make your bedtime battles even worse.
- Bath or shower.
- Brush teeth.
- Reading a children’s bedtime story. You may even lie in bed with them for a while. Plan for this time and make it special. This way, both you and your child will be less anxious, calmer and more ready to fall asleep.
Finally, make your child’s bedroom a place that is conducive to sleep. Turn down the lights, quiet the sounds and lessen the activity in the room. You may turn on some soft music if that helps to relax your child, but make it a place for sleep.
If you continue to have problems, your doctor may advise you to try melatonin as a natural sleep aid. More and more doctors are turning to this natural remedy for sleep dysfunctions in children as well as adults because it is proving to be safe and effective
Bedtime battles don’t have to get the best of you. With a little planning and effort, bedtime can be a very special time for you and your child.
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