Who beleives that a bedtime rountine really works?

Answer 1

I have 4 kids 11, 3, 2, and 1. They all have a routine (all day not just bedtime) and it is what helps to keep me sane. I don't plan out the entire day, just meals, naps, bath, and bedtime and I've learned that when it's their bedtime, they are ready to go, no fighting, crying etc. My 11 yr old created his own bedtime and routine and with a few adjustments everything has gone smoothly.

Answer 2

ME ME ME ME ME!!! Even my fish work better on a daily routine!

I work with kids ages 6 - 17. I can tell you that those who have basic discipline, stability and dependability in their lives like a bedtime routine are a LOT better for it!

Also it prevents fighting about when, how and where to do what. This is how we do it, at this time, this is the rules, we all know how it works...

I use to babysit this horrible bratty child when I was a teenager... His mother let him stay up until whenever she went to bed, and if he fell asleep on the couch, she'd just usually sleep there with him. His older sister was an angel and had consistent rules and a bedtime routine. But the little boy... I'd say "time for bed" at his theoretical bedtime and I'd have to haul in out from under his bed by what ever I could grab. He go under there and throw violent tantrums! God I hated that job!

Answer 3

Our son's routine came from what my husband and I were already doing- a glass of water, bathroom stop, tooth brushing and reading time became milk, diaper change, and gum brushing, the stories got more pictures. It seemed natural to include him, and now we can see him "switch gears" when bedtime rolls around.

People, right from the beginning, are creatures of habit. Some folks need more structure than others, but sameness and familiarity are almost a universal comfort. How many people do you know who don't sleep properly on vacation because it's not THEIR bed? Kids are highly adaptable and will adjust to almost anything eventually, but a routine helps keep things smooth.

Added bonus: once the routine is in place, you may find yourself doing it automatically- one less thing for a tired parent brain to think about!

Answer 4

I do! The routine is not about forcing sleep but rather about defining the time and getting ready to sleep. My daughter may not go to sleep right after our routine, but she is relaxed and ready to be in bed. Sometimes she just talks with her dolls until she falls asleep.

The beauty of the bedtime routine is that we know no matter how busy our day was we have this special time carved out together everyday. When grandparents or other family visits she enjoys inviting them to participate in our bedtime ritual!

For me and my spouse it is great b/c it signals the end of our day as active parents and the start of sommetime for us together.

The routine does not have to be eloborate and our has changed as our daughter has grown, but the time together has stayed the same and the goal of a wind down is the same.

Answer 5

Children are creatures of habit. They thrive on boundaries and schedules. Without them they become confused and irritable.

I have had bedtimes for my children and they work very very well. As they have gotten older, I have relaxed a little and even moved the time later to adjust to a growing child. Varying bedtimes makes your child cranky as their sleep is not consistent and they think they can go to bed whenever they want. When they are a toddler, you will have hell to pay for not sticking to a routine.

Answer 6

It is an absolute fact that a bedtime routine works. Not only do I know from personal experience - I was nanny, and now I have my own...but also there is tons of books and articles written about it. Babies respond well to routine.

Answer 7

I don't. I have tried a routine with four kids! They all have set bedtimes (the older one's) but that's about it. The baby goes when she is ready. It's always around the same time every night, but no set routine. I have found if I force her to a routine, she's more unwilling to fall asleep.

Answer 8

I do. It's important to have a normal sleeping pattern as children and as adults. It gives us energy and we wake up feeling rested. Routines in general are great. You know what to expect, and children love it. You have to be consistent or they don't work. It helps everyone to have a routine, but a little variety on occasion doesn't hurt, as long as you don't mess with your childs sleeping pattern. Accidents happen and things come up, but you should rarely go off schedule. Children need bedtimes.

Answer 9

I DO!! I am a teacher in child care. Every child that grows up with a bedtime routine seems to be able make transittions a lot easier that the children who do not. Plus, if your child is in a routine it makes naptime much easier on you and your child. I garuntee it will be hard at first to get your child into a routine...but it is well worth it!!

Answer 10

Babies can tell when they are approaching bedtime, if you have a routine in place. They will accept going to bed if you make a ritual of easing them into it (bath, book, bed). If you make a routine, they will be able to FEEL that bedtime is near. It's makes things easier on you and easier on baby.