In our home, once upon a bedtime used to mean a simple, pleasant and relatively easy routine until “bad dreams” became one our little one’s nighttime fears.
Fortunately, the ‘bad dreams’ have all but disappeared with the help of a magic wand and consistent reassurance whenever our toddler is awakened crying and frightened.
Now bedtime has become its own nightmare…procrastination has taken over our once relaxing routine. Our little granddaughter is a master at asking for sips of water, multiple stories, hugs and kisses to name only a few of her requests when the word ‘bedtime’ is spoken.
Before we get totally weary, we have decided to deal with this issue now and without delay.
We are about to pursue some tips from the Sleep Lady. Even though, I also work in the field of child sleep teaching, I admit that I must remain open to suggestions when dealing with issues within my own family.
First off, we will all sit down with our granddaughter to discuss the “new” routine making sure that she knows we will always be nearby….(which is actually a return to our pre-nightmare routine)…however, we will not be rocking her to sleep or reading numerous books…there will be one sip of water…good night hugs, kisses and tuck in.
These days, naps after morning pre-school are inconsistent, so 8-8:30 pm seems to be an appropriate bedtime in order to get the recommended ten to eleven hours of sleep for a 3 1/2 year old. She also has one hour quiet time every afternoon.
Goal: in bed, asleep between 8-8:30 pm.
The Bedtime Routine:
- go to the toilet
- bath
- brush teeth
- read a story
- rock for two minutes
- get into bed
- sip of water
- hugs, kisses and tuck in
- leave the room
- gate up/door open
- How does bedtime work for your preschooler?
- Are you consistent with your child’s bedtime routine?
OR
- Does a grandparent or other caregiver not follow the routine… are they more easily diverted by your child’s prize winning procrastination abilities?
I have to say that I am the grandparent who, at times gives in, and Papa can be sometimes equally as bad as I am.
At this time, we are committed to a firmer routine so that all of us can sleep better.
It is the least we can do…
Sleep is just too important.
Related Reading:
Helping Your Toddler Go to Sleep and Stay in Bed | SleepLady.
Like You I believe in sleep!
I adhere to the parents routines, vary as needed for my home (playpen nests)
Use a monitor. With three, their nap is just as important for my health and sanity. I keep 2, three days a week so we have established routines. The other grandaughter I only have one day and she has a harder time because she shuttles between two grandmas homes.
I have almost gotten it down….with a new one to be delivered this summer, Yikes!
It sounds like you have an appreciation of routine and sleep especially important when you care for more than one. Yikes…your schedule sounds so busy.
Ttuesday and Thurs are all about my learning to market my book to the nation…..at 55, it is uphill figuring this all out. I had 32 to kids in class, but the grand tire me out
Even more! Why? I have no Idea!
They are currently sleeping! Yea!