But, let's not get ahead of ourselves. There's no cricket or air conditioner listening without a few important things. 1. Routine. 2. Preparation. 3. Adamance.
1. Routine.
We do the same thing (almost) every night. I realize that not everyone has that option, but I recommend maintaining the best routine that you are capable of enforcing. Kids thrive on routine. Although they fight it at times, there is no denying the impact that routine has in regards to your child feeling comfort and security. Of course, at times, we need our children to be flexible to changes. However, I prefer to make those gradual and incorporate them into the overall, day-to-day activities (if possible).
Here is a sample of how I manage my bedtime schedule for the kids:
7:00 - Baths. (A.K.A. I brush my hair for the 1st time all day & do dishes while Dad pours water over the heads of crying kids that just want to splash in bubbles & play with dinosaurs.)
7:20 - Lotion up, PJs on. (Cue terrible "Rock-a-bye baby" lullabies sang by Mom that, hopefully, prepare youngsters for Zzzzzzz's - It doesn't work, FYI, but I keep trying.)
7:30 - Mom & Audrey (5, Kindergartner!) hustle homework! Dad tackles boys. Dad lays Colton (1 yr old) down for bed with bottle. I know, I know. He's 14 months old and still takes a bottle at bedtime. Don't judge me; I'm human too. Micah (2 1/2) watches Detroit Tigers baseball with Dad. It's not the Braves, but marriage is about compromise. I get the Falcons, he gets the Tigers. Eh.
7:55 - Audrey cuddles in bed, says her prayers (my favorite time of day, even trumping my 10, comatose minutes), then lights out, doors closed. HALLELUJAH! Meanwhile, at 7:30, Dad starts a countdown with Micah. A few minutes before 8, he says "Night time, buddy." My kids know not to fight it; they won't win. Micah goes to bed.
8:00 - Kids in bed.
8:01 - Angels, crickets, air conditioner.
2. Preparation.
I like to think that I have mastered this hour by now, but sometimes my kids will get smart with new ideas. My gameplan is to squash their efforts before they begin. Case in point, Audrey is always hungry, thirsty, needs a cuddle, etc., etc. right at LIGHTS OUT time. So, while she is doing homework, I go downstairs and pour her some milk and grab a light snack. While she prays, I cuddle her up and smother her with kisses. The potty has already been used; she has no excuses. This could change any night now, but so far, so good. Micah drinks enough liquids per day to hydrate a small country, so he sips on his juice while watching TV with Dad and takes more to bed with him - we're still in diapers, so we don't have to worry about accidents for now. I'll cross that bridge when I come to it. Colton is golden. He's easy-peasy. I should probably note that sometimes he goes to bed as early as 6:30, so we just cut him out of the routine all together. That's my Babywise boy - making Mama proud!
3. Adamance.
Maybe you're reading this and thinking "Duh!" or "My routine is better than yours." Or MAYBE you're, like, "How in the world do you get your kids to cooperate with you?!" If either of the first 2 are you, then you don't know need to keep reading. Thanks for staying with me this long! But, if you struggle with bedtime and reigning your children in to prepare for sleep, then maybe I can help. Do you want to know why I can help? Because I made all the major mistakes before and paid for it. Trial and error, my friend, trial and error.
As the 3rd point infers, I believe that being authoritative and persistent are essential for a successful bedtime regimen. Any of my kids know that if they get out of bed for any other reason than true sickness, then I am going to march them right back up to their bed and lay them down. I don't care if they kick, scream, and wake up the whole house. When I say it's time for bed, then it's time for bed. I am ADAMANT about our routine. I made a post once about "Call me Drill Sergeant," and I wasn't kidding. I do this because I know that it is the best thing for my family, my kids' well-being, and the overall functionality of our household. Now that these actions have become a consistent, nightly routine, Audrey and Micah will tell me that they want to go to sleep and are ready for bed. They know! They love the predictability and are prepared for sleep.
Also, I feel that it is worth noting that I have taken "screen time" away from Audrey before bed (one of those trial & error things) because I am convinced that it impedes upon her ability to settle down and rest. She becomes too stimulated by TV, the iPad, or her tablet to handle technology at night. I have completely eliminated her exposure and have seen tremendous results. I would highly recommend for any of you that allow screen time and are experiencing trouble with your child's bedtime routine. He/she might fight it, but just replace that activity with something else enjoyable. We chose coloring!
SHOUT OUT!
I want to say thanks to all of you that read my blog, provide me with feedback, and so forth. I don't make a profit from writing, but it is something that I enjoy. Sometimes it's like a journal for me to keep. I know one day when Zac and I are empty-nesters, we will miss the daily grind of having little kids all around us. But - until then - it's survival of the fittest. Of course, I mean that in the least Darwinian way :)
Happy sleeping!
-Lindsey
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