Because getting the kids to bed isn’t as easy as it may seem.
Getting the kiddios to bed isn’t as easy as it may seem. When the kids are tiny, in ways it can be simpler as you know where your baby is and they cannot escape. Sure, having a screaming baby and many night feeds isn’t great but nothing is ever perfect, is it? Fast forward a couple of years and your youngster is a ball of energy while you are… Well, how can we say this? BLOODY wrecked to say the least. It makes bedtime an Olympic sport and parents must bring their A game and best moves to get these kids to bed on time and keep them there till morning. As parents ourselves here at Family Friendly HQ we know the struggle only too well so we have listed a few tips for our fellow struggling parent mates!
- Get a routine going- Before you decide to tackle the trying time of bedtime sit down with your partner and hash out a routine that will not only work but be doable. There is no point placing an unrealistic bedtime that your kids will not adhere to and decide the best time and activities to calm your kids before they head to the bedroom.
- Keep your home quiet before bedtime- For an hour before bed it is best if you let your kids calm down and chill out. This could be reading books together or listening to soothing music. Avoid getting the kids excited and boisterous before bed. If you have visitors, arrange for them to come earlier or after bed time but never just before as this will send your kids routine to the bin!
- Be calm and collected- It is easier said than done when the kids are acting up but you must remain in control to get them to bed on time and in an orderly fashion. Avoid being dragged into arguments and keep things calm.
- Stay firm and don’t back down- Once you pop the kids into bed there may be one that decides to escape and this is hard. However, you must not back down and let your child downstairs or feel forced to read them another story. If you do it once they will expect the same every day and this is not the best way going forward.
- Take turns if you can- Parents should consider taking turns for bedtime to give each parent a little break. It means you can get through the ins and outs of it without being overloaded with bedtime struggles. It isn’t always feasible but do try and take turns, of course, if someone needs an extra hand, help, but sending the message to your kids early on that one parent will do bedtime is a good lesson.
- Be prepared for difficult times- When trying to get a proper bedtime routine going it can become tiring and fractious but the best advice anyone could give you is to see it out. Deal with the cries, moans and screams each night until your kids get fed up trying to manipulate you and it will work to your advantage.
- Failing that, wait till they are teenagers! Teenagers will happily go to bed but may never get out of bed either!
Written by Emma Hayes, staff writer with Family Friendly HQ
