Tips For Bedtime

One of the most important things for parents to do when parenting in order to see more positive child behaviour at bedtime, according to Behaviour Therapists, is to establish & stick to a good bedtime routine. Consistency in implementing the bedtime routine is Key!

Examples From A Behaviour Analyst Of Things To Take Into Consideration With The Bedtime Routine:

* Make sure that they are unwinding the hour before bed, not doing anything that is going to make them hyper, & no screen time before bed.

* Give them a countdown 30mins & then 15mins before it’s time to start getting ready – According to studies in the field of Behaviour Analysis, the countdown mentally prepares them that bedtime is approaching & what they are doing is coming to an end. This helps to reduce the likelihood of behaviour challenges such as tantrums occurring & it means that parents don’t have to spend time every night helping their child with managing anger, & instead bedtime running more smoothly.

* Make sure to start getting ready for bed at the same time every night – If they know what time they go to bed every night & what time their siblings go to bed, they will get into the routine & habit of it, & it will become the norm, without them giving it much thought. This will help things go more smoothly, & reduce the likelihood of sibling rivalry with the child wanting to stay up to the same time as their siblings.

* Read a bedtime story to help them relax & unwind, but ensure to stick to the rule of 1 story as children can tend to keep asking for more to drag out having to go to sleep.

* Give them a night light or leave the door open for them, to keep any fears of the dark at bay.

* Give them a hug/kiss, say Goodnight & leave the room without dragging it out – Children will often try to keep the conversation going as a means of attention-seeking, or ask random questions to avoid the parent leaving. Simply say “It’s bedtime now, we can talk about it in the morning” & go.

* Make sure that they have went to the toilet & have a drink by the bed so they have no excuse to get up again.

Also, where possible, Child Therapists recommend that it is helpful for both Mum & Dad to take turns doing the bedtime routine. This allows then if one parent isn’t there to do the bedtime routine, then the other can easily do it, without disrupting your child’s usual routine.