Bedtime. An hour in the evening that is often cherished by parents, thanks to sleepy heads, cosy cuddles and ultimately…. peace!
In theory, bedtime should be a lovely, relaxing affair. Bath and bubbles, a story or two then a few minutes to watch your little one drift off into the land of nod.
And pigs might fly I hear you mutter!
It’s certainly true that for some parents bedtime is a breeze. For others however, it lingers in the mind all day long in anticipation of a complete and utter disaster – yet again.
If you happen to fall into the latter bracket and need a nudge to get things running smoothly, we might just have some answers…
Are you sticking to a schedule?
For most children, routine is king and shouldn’t be messed with unless absolutely necessary. Children generally thrive on knowing where they need to be and when, despite not always being happy about the rules. Boundaries create a comfort zone and although they might not often convey it, odds on your little ones wouldn’t have it any other way!
Believe it or not, the bedtime routine starts way before sun down and has many cogs to its wheel. These include:
- How much time your child spends exercising each day
- What and when your child eats
- How much screen time is allowed
- Your child’s designated cut off time for all devices including television
Getting daily routines on the right track generally means that your child is less likely to go to bed without a fuss. It’s not always easy when life is hectic, especially when working hours and schedules are not always the same each day for parents. But consistency, where possible, goes a very long way.
It’s all about timing…
Nothing is ever stress-free if it’s rushed. Making sure you set ample time aside for bedtime is essential. This might not always be possible for working parents but if you set a realistic goal and strive to stick to it then your child will be happy with whatever time you can afford.
Whether it’s half an hour or ten minutes, it really doesn’t matter as long as it’s not hurried along. Your glass of wine and Corrie can wait! Stress and impatience are so easily picked up by children and could lead to them feeling unsettled and sad. Not ideal if you’re hoping for a good night’s sleep. So switch your phone onto silent and do your best to put that nagging ‘to-do’ list to one side in your head. This quiet time will also help you unwind after a busy day no doubt.
Be prepared!
A laid-back bedtime means no nagging, shouting or multitasking such as tidying up while bidding your child goodnight.
Make the beds, clear away toys and hang up any discarded clothes lurking on the floor in plenty of time before your child ventures up the apples and pears.
Preparing the room beforehand will go a long way in helping you keep calm if and when your child plays up!
Stay strong!
They’ve had their bath, their teeth are gleaming and the bedtime story has been received with open ears and sleepy smiles. THEN the protests begin.
“I’m hungry”
“I’m thirsty”
“I need the toilet!”
Although it can be draining to listen to, try not to cave in to such demands. With good preparation you can make sure all these excuses can be declared null and void. A healthy snack an hour or so before bedtime, a drink next to the bed and a toilet trip before tucking in time should do the trick.
Want to know about our children’s bedroom furniture?
At Little Lucy Willow we put comfort and safety above all else. Stunning design is just a bonus! Our furniture is luxurious, affordable and built to last.
We want to make sure you enjoy your shopping experience with Little Lucy Willow from start to finish. That’s why we are always ready to take your call and help you create a girl’s or boy’s bedroom that is perfectly suited to their needs - and dreams!
Contact a member of our friendly team on 0845 8030988 or email [email protected]with any questions about our products or to place an order.