You love your little ones, but getting them to sleep sometimes can be such a job? Just when you think they've settled down, you hear the pitter-patter of tiny feet upstairs and know they are out of bed playing or making their way downstairs.
Once in a while is fine, but this is happening every night, so what can you do to encourage your child to sleep?
Some experts recommend giving the child a bath before bedtime. As an adult, you know the effects a warm bath can have, making you feel sleepy, it can do the same for a child. Just remove one or two of the distracting toys first. There are also safe, child-friendly, sleep-inducing toiletries like lavender bubble bath or body lotion available that can help further.
Hearing a bedtime story continues to be a favourite pastime of small children, getting lost in a fantastic adventure will soon have their mind wandering and their eyes closing. If you are too tired to read a story yourself, why not buy some audio books for children and listen to a story together?
Better still you could follow along with the book, looking at the pictures. If your child is still not settling, then leave the audio book playing with the lights off, they'll soon be slumbering. Apart from stories, another idea is playing soft music.
You can help the situation by ensuring your child is not over stimulated by computers or the television too close to bedtime, hence the bath. Turn the PC and the DVDs off an hour before they should be in bed - you'll be amazed at the difference that can make.
It's obvious, but artificially-coloured and flavoured food or drink will make your child excitable. Leave the glass of fizzy pop for a weekend treat and provide natural alternatives. Additionally, too much liquid could see your child getting out of bed frequently during the night to use the bathroom or worse, wetting the bed.
Finally, create a calm, dreamy environment in the child's bedroom. Soft pastel shades are effective. Don't put too much on the walls, stimulation is the last thing you want to encourage. Some strategically-placed night lights should help allay the fears of those who don't like the dark. Make sure there's not too much noise coming from downstairs, either.
These are a few simple tips. Hopefully, they will make a difference and help your child have a long, restful night's sleep
Once in a while is fine, but this is happening every night, so what can you do to encourage your child to sleep?
Some experts recommend giving the child a bath before bedtime. As an adult, you know the effects a warm bath can have, making you feel sleepy, it can do the same for a child. Just remove one or two of the distracting toys first. There are also safe, child-friendly, sleep-inducing toiletries like lavender bubble bath or body lotion available that can help further.
Hearing a bedtime story continues to be a favourite pastime of small children, getting lost in a fantastic adventure will soon have their mind wandering and their eyes closing. If you are too tired to read a story yourself, why not buy some audio books for children and listen to a story together?
Better still you could follow along with the book, looking at the pictures. If your child is still not settling, then leave the audio book playing with the lights off, they'll soon be slumbering. Apart from stories, another idea is playing soft music.
You can help the situation by ensuring your child is not over stimulated by computers or the television too close to bedtime, hence the bath. Turn the PC and the DVDs off an hour before they should be in bed - you'll be amazed at the difference that can make.
It's obvious, but artificially-coloured and flavoured food or drink will make your child excitable. Leave the glass of fizzy pop for a weekend treat and provide natural alternatives. Additionally, too much liquid could see your child getting out of bed frequently during the night to use the bathroom or worse, wetting the bed.
Finally, create a calm, dreamy environment in the child's bedroom. Soft pastel shades are effective. Don't put too much on the walls, stimulation is the last thing you want to encourage. Some strategically-placed night lights should help allay the fears of those who don't like the dark. Make sure there's not too much noise coming from downstairs, either.
These are a few simple tips. Hopefully, they will make a difference and help your child have a long, restful night's sleep
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