How To Get Your Toddler To Sleep - Our Bedtime Routine
Read my tips on how to get your toddler to sleep and our bedtime routine.
Do you have a difficult time getting your kids to go to sleep every night? It is no secret that our boys are crazy active throughout the day. It is difficult to get them to sit in one place just to eat their meals. Since the time our kids were young, my husband and I have stuck to a pretty good bedtime routine. Our kids have learned what they need to do and what to expect every nightBedtime is highly valued in our household. Not only do I love cuddling up with my kids and reading their bedtime stories, but it is a time when I feel like I can relax. Knowing that my boys are all safe and asleep in their beds is an accomplishment.Even though we have a routine we do still get the:
"Can we read just 1 more book..."
"I need a drink..."
"Please, just 2 more minutes..."
My boys are constantly trying to push to see how much we will give them. Since we stick to our scheduled time and routine they know what to expect and that my husband and I are not going to give in. Yes, there are the occasional nights when other events occur that we have to change our routine a bit, but for the most part consistency is key.Here are some tips to help you get your children to sleepCreate a routine. If you do not yet have a routine you can incorporate your kids into making a plan together. This helps them understand the process and can be comforting for them because they are given control. We like to keep our routine simple. You do not want a lot of distractions.Before it is bedtime make sure that your children have the chance to calm down and relax. Give them the opportunity to play quietly or tell you a story. You need to focus on little stimulation.
Here is what our routine looks like once we tell the boys it is bedtime:
- Use the bathroom
- Brush their teeth
- Each of my kids picks 1 book
- We all cuddle up in my oldest son’s bed to read
- Read 2 books
- Tuck them in
Tips on How To Get Your Toddler To Sleep
Be Consistent – Have your child going to bed at the same time every night. It is important that kids get a regular amount of hours of sleep each night. This will help their bodies know when it is bedtime and when it is time to wake-up.Giving a stuffed animal provides security. Your child may need a stuffed animal or blanket to help them fall asleep. This is perfectly normal.Turn bad thoughts into good thoughts. Our oldest has recently been having trouble falling asleep because he says there is a “monster” under his bed or something in his closet. We like to always show him there is nothing under the bed and turn his scary thoughts into funny thoughts so he understands that there is nothing to be scared of. 
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