Ideas for getting a child to bed?

Question

We have a 6 year old. She will not go to sleep and continues to get up. What a war this has been!!! Any suggestions?

Answer 1

First, make sure that she is physically active, preferably outdoors, for a period of time every day. Sedentary children are less likely to be tired at bedtime. Limit tv and videogame time.

Second, be consistent. Establish a regular bedtime and observe it every night. 7 - 7:30 p.m. seems about right for that age.

Third, have a routine that leads to bed. Such a routine relaxes the child and prepares her psychologically for sleep. For example: a bath... pajamas...brushing teeth...bedtime story...evening prayer... lights out.

Make your expectations clear. Explain to your daughter that after lights out there will be no further activity. No conversation. No getting back up. Failure to meet these expecations will result in the loss of a privilege (no bike tomorrow...no tv tomorrow...loss of a favorite toy for a day...whatever works for you). Again, no idle threats. Be consistent. Do not engage in a power struggle. Make it clear that you expect compliance, and it will come.

Answer 2

I'll tell you how my mother used to put me to bed. She would give me a bath, dress me in my pajamas and tuck me in. She would then, either sing to me or read me a story until I went to sleep. I was scared of the dark so she left a light on for me. If I got up for some reason, like the bathroom, she would take me to the bathroom, and when done, tuck me in again. I never had to 'cry it out'. I was never locked in like a prisoner to force me to go to sleep. I was never forced to deal with fears alone. My mother worked too, but she always made time to make bedtime a pleasant experience. And to this day I'm grateful for now, sleeping is one of the greatest pleasures of life. Never had problems with insomnia.
No doubt there is a connection between the way little children are put to sleep and adult insecurities and problems. Children don't ask to be born. Therefore it's the parents' responsibility to make sure that the child at all times feel wanted and loved rather than a nuisance or an inconvenience.

Answer 3

See a doctor. You could try showing her the internet. If she doesn't fall asleep or tries to break free--turn off the lights. If she has a room put her in her room. She'll either fall asleep, make a lot of noise, or discover reading. If you continually scold her in the evening--maybe, she'll remain "shell shocked". Kids are masters at getting what they want; when it's available. Parents begin to believe that a child wants something more devious and elaborate. Parents often mirror their own unconcious desire via the child.

Answer 4

To Persuade Your 6 year old.

Answer 5

that is ridiculous. My 2 year old will go to bed and stay in bed all night! It was rough at first but im so glad i stuck to my guns! And to the person who said watch supernanny, yes, i agree...that helped me a lot! I explain to my daughter during the day that she has to sleep in her own bed at night and i get her pumped up about it. It helps to do this because as parents we tend to get frustrated easily at the end of te day when we want to go to bed and our children aret cooperating. Doing it in the day, at least a few hours before bedtime, allows us to explain it calmly and gives them a heads up too. Start taking things away and just let her cry it out in her room if she has to. i know i may sound harsh, and believe me, i know its hard, but you have to make a commitment and stick to it! Good Luck!!!

Answer 6

I know a person who put her child to sleep by giving then some rum. They seem to have too much energy and are not tired enough to sleep, then the best thing to do is to find a good way for them to get rid of that energy during the day. They will be very tired by evening and will go to sleep early. Plus, it is a good idea to be physically active.

Answer 7

uh tell her everyone needs their sleep and if no one ever got their sleep then everyone would be grumpy,cranky,mean,stubborn. make her feel safe when she goes to bed like buy her a nice nightlight or get her a stuffed animal or read her a book whenever its time for bed.

Answer 8

Star chart. If she earns a certain number of stars for going to bed, she can earn a toy, etc. In other words, bribe her.

Answer 9

Watch SuperNanny
consistency pays off. Be strong!

Answer 10

This may sound mean but we lock our six year olds door if he gets up alot.