Tips to Make Bedtime Easier

Getting enough sleep is vital to your child's growth and development, not to mention your own sanity. Studies have shown that sleep-deprived kids get injured more often, they get sick more easily, their grades suffer -- and so do their moods. Try these 6 tried-and-true strategies to make it easier.

By Kate Silver

  • Getty

    Watch Food & Drink Consumption

    Large meals can make it difficult to sleep, so give your child some time between dinner and bedtime to digest. Make sure your child stays away from sweets before bedtime and has no caffeine at least six hours prior to going to sleep.

    What do you think of this story? Give your opinion!

  • Veer

    Peace & Quiet

    Avoid stimulating activities after dinner. This isn't the time for a game of ball or loud playing. It's a time to relax, sing songs, listen to music, or talk about your day.

    What do you think of this story? Give your opinion!

  • Fancy Photography/Veer

    Give Advance Notice

    Let your child know that bedtime is approaching, whether it's an hour or five minutes away. This puts him in the right mindset and lets him finish any tasks at hand.

    What do you think of this story? Give your opinion!

  • Aimee Herring

    Make Her Room a Place They Enjoy

    Your child's room should be a place of comfort, joy, and relaxation -- a place that she wants to spend time. The temperature should be comfortable, and her clothes and blankets shouldn't restrict movement.

    What do you think of this story? Give your opinion!

  • Digital Vision Photography/Veer

    No Television or Computers at Bedtime

    Studies have shown that kids who have televisions and computers in their rooms have a tendency to get less sleep than those who do not. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, adolescents who use the computer and watching television late at night are often doing so while drinking caffeinated beverages. The best solution is to remove these electronics from bedrooms, but if that's not possible, set a strict turn-off time, and (as mentioned previously) don't allow caffeine consumption around bedtime.

    What do you think of this story? Give your opinion!

  • Ekaterina Monakhova/ iStockphoto

    Establish a Nighttime Routine

    Create a routine that's enjoyable and that your child will associate with bedtime. It should be a manageable length of time, about 20 to 30 minutes a night, and can involve elements that you and your child deem important (bath, story, cuddling, lights out, etc). Relaxing books offer a wonderful way to set the mood and to show your child the value of reading.

    Copyright © 2010 Meredith Corporation.

    What do you think of this story? Give your opinion!