How to avoid bedtime problems with your toddler

Do you always have to drag a crying and kicking toddler to bed every night? How dreadful the task is.

You can prevent bedtime problems with your toddler by setting a bedtime routine. Do stick to the routine, and let your toddler get use to it.

Get your toddler to go to bed at the same time every night. Tell a bedtime story if you determine it to be part of the routine. Do not deviate from the routine. Once you break the routine, you will have a hard time getting your toddler to bed again.

Start the bedtime preparations as early as you can. Give allowance to some activities that may take longer than usual. Get your toddler to bath. If your toddler loves water, allow him to stay in water, and play with the toys for a few minutes longer. Get him to brush his teeth.

Do not scold him or make him upset in any way. Taking a bath is a relaxing activity. Once you scold him, you will spoil his mood. You will have a hard time dragging a very stubborn and angry toddler to bed. Do not let your toddler excited in anyway.

A horror movie before bedtime is never a wise choice. You will face a toddler that refuses to sleep. He refuses to let you switch off the light.

Do not let him run and jump. Get him to relax after sunset. You can talk to him and hug him. Stop him from engaging in exciting activities.

Avoid giving sweets, snacks, soft drinks and coffee after dinner. All these foods increase energy level. You do not want a hyperactive toddler in the evening. Tell a bedtime story is a routine that you should start. Do allow time for your toddler to ask questions. Your toddler will not stop until he gets a satisfactory answer.

You cannot guarantee that your toddler will fall asleep after one story, he may be very energetic and demands story after story. Do let your toddler choose the bedtime story, especially when you run out of stories. Your toddler does not mind that you repeat his favorite story.

Do not choose any ghost stories for bedtime. You do not want your toddler to scream the house down in the middle of the night. Tell stories without all the monsters that eat children alive.

Do not allow your toddler to get out of bed, unless he needs to use the bathroom. Make sure that he understands that bedtime means staying in bed, and falling asleep. Do stay with your toddler till he falls asleep. Do not let him sneak out of bedroom.

Setting a routine and getting use to the routine is tough, especially when you are dead tired from work. However, the effort will pay off handsomely. Your toddler will get use to the bedtime routine, and automatically settles down once the time for bed arrives.

Source: www.bukisa.com

Posted in Children, Sleep disorder.