It’s 8:00 p.m. and you’ve already spent all your best parenting efforts helping the kids to finish their homework, tricking them to eat their vegetables, and convincing them that markers are not made for the walls and table. But now it’s time for bed, and you’ve got a whole new set of obstacles to face: your oldest won’t wear his pajamas, your youngest won’t put on her pull-ups, and your middle child won’t brush his teeth. Every family has these nights, and every family has to figure out the best way to survive the night without everyone ending up in tears. So here’s a couple tips to get your family into a better bedtime routine:
1. Explain the steps to your kids. If you’ve been inconsistent at all (which everyone is at times) with the bedtime routine, then make a fresh start. Sit your kids down in a family council and make a list of the bedtime process. Make sure that all the kids understand the what’s and the why’s of the bedtime process. You can even make a chart as a visual reminder to your kids each night.
2. Motivate your kids! Pick a goal that your kids can work towards. It doesn’t need to be something extravagant, but pick something that works for your family’s lifestyle and budget. You could plan a movie night if your kids get ready for bed without a struggle for a whole week. Or you could plan a visit to their favorite restaurant if they do their best for a whole month! Whatever it might be, give your kids something to work for to get them started!
3. Follow the routine yourself. If you are not committed to the routine, then it will be difficult for your kids to commit to it! So make sure that you are committed to starting at the same time and following the routine nightly. When your kids see that you’re following the routine, they will also be willing to follow it.
So before you lose your mind trying to get the little ones to stay still so you can brush their baby teeth, get organized and make a bedtime routine! Your dentist in Farmington, Utah, will appreciate it!