How do you get bedtime routine 'lights out' 'playful' preschoolers sharing a room to sleep?

Answer 1

When my two teenaged daughters were preschoolers they also shared a room. Being only 13 months apart in age I know it can be trying to get them to settle in. I used to read a story at bed time and then at the end of the story kiss them goodnight, shut the light and tell them to think about the story while they were laying there and try and imagine a new story with the same characters. Then in the morning over breakfast they could share their own story of "cinderella or the ginger bread man". They really liked it and it kept them quiet and they fell asleep dreaming of their favorite storybook characters.

Answer 2

I have the same problem, and think I have found a solution. First, a routine is a MUST. We eat supper at 6/6:30, then take a bath, put on lotion and powder (I have 2 little girls 2 & 4, they love it), PJs. Then I let them color for a little, read stories and they get to watch a program on TV at 7:30. Now, here is where I think I finally figured it out. I put my youngest to bed at 8 pm, I do play a lullabye cd (classical). Then I put my oldest to bed at 8:30. Because if I put them to bed together, they play around for a long time! They would be in bed by 8, and not fall asleep until 10 pm! Separate bedtimes work for me!

Answer 3

my 2 year old and 4 year old share a room. I have found the easiest way to get them calm before bed time is to start the bed time routine an hour before bed time, and always do it in the same order

put on pj's
talk about our day
brush our teeth
wash our faces
go potty
brush our hair
get our toys and blankets in order
read a story
say our prayers
lights out

if they come out of their room, or make noise (usually giggles) they get one quiet warning. "please be quiet and rest" or as you physically take them back to bed "it's bed time, it's time to be quiet and stay in bed"

after that it's complete silence unless they are really acting up. If they get out of bed to play, go into the room, don't turn on the light, put them back in bed, don't say a word. After a few nights they will get the idea.

(you don't have to do our routine but I put it there for you to see)

Answer 4

I fell your stress! I have twin 2-year-old sons and the best thing I have found is to keep the routine the same every night as best as you can. That way they can expect what's coming and be ready for the lights to go out. I read a book or two, sing a song, get good night kisses and then usually turn on a Baby Einstein CD for them. With each step I tell them the next step(s) ending with, "Then it's time to go night-night." It'll take a few nights of fussing for them to get used to it, but be patient.

Setting routine and giving little ones plenty of time to change gears have been two of the best keys I have found to raising them.

Good Luck!
LissaSis

Answer 5

My advice is a consistent routine that you stick to it, if you want them asleep or in their beds at a certain time say 8:00 pm, then 8 it is not 8:01 pm, kids will take advantage of it and I think consistency is of the utmost importance when trying to establish a routine. Make sure you are consistent, no television during this time, quiet time, and monitor them during this time and be stern and consistent and keep it up and you will see results in a matter of weeks.

Answer 6

I don't know but I'm interested in the answers that you get.