How to keep your kids in bed all night!

Posted by: Bedshed on Dec 19, 2011  

Tagged in: tips , sleeping , bedshed kids

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How many times have you put your kids to sleep only to find them up a few hours later? And don’t we just love the excuses! Mum I need a drink, I’m hungry, I’m scared, I’m sick, I need you! We have all heard the excuses! You can get a good night’s sleep when your children sleep through the night, so here are some tips to help keep your child in bed all night!

  1. Make sure your child is comfortable in their room. Let them pick their bed, linen, decorations and position of furniture. If they love their room they will want to spend time in it.
  2. Routine is the key! The routine can be simple, but keeping it consistent every night ensures they know the process. Such as, having a bath, putting on pj’s, brushing teeth, reading a book.
  3. Make bedtime a special time they look forward to. It could be reading a book together before saying good night. A special game when brushing their teeth. A special way to hug and say good night.
  4. Make sure you take your child to the bathroom just before bed. A child waking up and needing to go to the bathroom is considered one of the key reasons they wake up.
  5. Can’t get your child to sleep in their own bed? A very successful tactic has been the use of “celebration” to get kids into their own bed. “Now you’re in kindy you stay in your own bed each night!” “Now that you’re 4 years old you get to choose a special toy and you sleep with them every night."
  6. Don’t weaken! We know it’s heartbreaking to listen to your child crying and begging and pleading, and often it’s easier to give in. But if you do, the child wins and they know what cards to play to get their way! Be strong.  If your child leaves their bedroom, take them back with no discussion. It can take time to break the habit, but any weakness shows the child that their behaviour results in the change they want.

Consistency and routine are the key. If you maintain this consistency and rules, you will be on your way to a better night’s sleep!

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