At some point of time, every kid is introduced to his/her bedtime routine. We all train our kids to sleep on their own. For some kids, it is an easy act but for others it’s a battle. They do not accept this change that easily especially if they are in a habit of sleeping in your room and sharing your bed. So, first thing first start letting them sleep in their own bed. In today’s post, I am sharing 6 tips (or call them secrets:-) that have worked for us.  Bedtime battle to Bedtime bliss.

• Stick to the routine: Stick to a fixed bedtime for every single day. Exceptions can be made on Fridays or Saturdays but try to follow the same bedtime routine as much as you can. Every kid has a biological clock. Having a pizza and movie night is exciting for every kid over the weekends or on Fridays but staying up late just because you are watching a movie is not a good idea.

• Eat at least 60 minutes before bedtime: This will help the child to sleep without feeling stuffed or full. According to me 60 minutes is a good gap between dinner and bedtime. If it gets longer then there are chances that by the time your child is ready to go to bed, s(he) will again start feeling hungry. Then instead of bedtime there will be a snack time.

• Ambience matters: Yes, it does. Who won’t like a soothing, calm ambience in their room during bed time? If your child does not feel comfortable in sleeping in a dark room, then put a night lamp. With young kids, make sure that they are comfortably dressed. If they are too cold or too hot, they will not be able to sleep peacefully.

• Follow a  goodnight routine: If you read a bedtime story with your child then read it, lie down with by their side for few minutes (don’t wait for them to be fully asleep)and then tell them that you are leaving. Obviously, your child might ask you to stay for little longer but tell them that you will check after a while. Mostly, they are asleep within 5-10 after your departure.

• Afternoon naps: For little older kids even 15-30 min afternoon naps act as a power nap. So, if your child is saying that s(he) is not sleepy in the afternoon, then don’t force them to sleep. If they sleep then forget it that they will be in bed on time.

• Security object: Bedtime means separation, and that can be easier for kids with a personal object, like a doll, teddy bear, or blanket. It provide a sense of security and control that comforts and reassures your child before she falls asleep.

I am sure with these easy tips, you can change your kid’s bed time battle to bed time bliss.

Happy Parenting!!