I'm having trouble with my kids' bedtime.?

Question

My younger children, ages 5 and 3, give my husband and I a hard time getting them to bed. How do I get them to bed at 8:30 without "drugging" them?

Answer 1

I was having the same problem with my four year old. I always give her a warning about half hour before and again fifteen minutes- so she knows it's almost bedtime to get her in the mindset. also, we started a reward chart. She gets a star for each night she goes to bed without any hassle and STAYS in bed. After 7 stars, she gets a reward. It worked the first night!!! I was shocked. This was also in conjunction with taking the precious tv out of her room and only allowing music. I thought it would be a nightmare to break the tv habit, so i had put it off, and it was no problem at all. she falls asleep faster and sleeps through the night. It's been wonderful. The reward chart really worked for us. And I really praised her each morning about how well she did going to bed and much better she had slept!

Answer 2

There are a number of factors to look at here. First you need a firm schedule. Then you need a firm routine. NO EXCEPTIONS at all for a few months. Look at their diet. Keep the sugar down after 4pm (soda, fruit juice, snacks etc.) Look into what time they are getting up in the morning and when and how long are their naps? If they are sleeping too late or napping for 3-4 hours after lunch...no way are they going to bed at 8:30. Hang tough! Check out how Super Nanny handles the bedtime problems on her show as well. She does have some good common sense ideas as well. Good luck and good bedtime planning!! :)

Answer 3

I had the same problem with my 8 and 11 year old a few weeks ago. I started grounding them from things they like or enjoy doing. I start with one day, the next time I have to get on to them it is another day. Then the next night after they have been grounded for the day, if they can go to bed without a problem I take a day off. It has been working pretty well. You may have to modify for their ages.

Added: I think the one thing that helps is knowing they can earn their privileges back. They really do work for it and ask how they are doing and feel pride when i tell them they are doing good.

Answer 4

nicely, I also have a pair techniques, yet i'm not sure no count number if or no longer they're going to paintings. a million. attempt to no longer tough abode interior 40 minutes of bedtime. It only hastens his heart fee and would make him much less drained. 2. evaluate employing a nighttime mild whilst he is going to sleep. He could be putting out to concern the dark yet no longer opt to tell you. 3. make effective his room is a snug temperature for slumbering. 4. stay away from sugary snacks or drinks till now bedtime. stable luck. Abby

Answer 5

If they take naps cut out the naps. No television 1/2 prior to bed time. No sodas (especially colas) after 4:00pm. Keep everything around bedtime as calm and quiet as possible, bathe, brush teeth, put on pjs, story a drink of water if necessary and then lights out. No exceptions. If they get up return them to their beds, do not speak to them just return them to their beds and walk out of their rooms. Do this as many times as you need to throughout the night. It may not "cure" itself in just one night but consitency does the trick.

Answer 6

You have not told about the gender of your kids,but in the either case you just pretend and make thewm believe[at the time you want to get them to their bed] that you want to go to asleep.They will twist and contort your noze and ears and,placing their soft hands on your soft breasts,they will shake you for a while for the first time,but you have to give them a feeling that you are sleeping,really.A he kid will take more time/times as compare to a she kid.You are expected to tell me about the results after practicing the way I told you.

Answer 7

Try reading them some stories before bedtime every night!

Answer 8

that depends when they woke up or if they've napped. get them to wake up earlier, and cut short any seemingly long naps. if that can't be changed, put lights out in the whole house at least a half hour before bedtime.

Answer 9

read them stories

Answer 10

NEVER DRUG THEM UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! you just have to work at bedtime...make it enjoyable and relaxing for your children....bath, story, cuddles.............if you are drugging them then you should be reported to family and child services!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!