Why does it seem like just before it’s time to go to bed, the kids suddenly have this jolt of energy that keeps them awake? The minute you tell them to go take a bath or clean up their toys to wind down, they rebel by running around and giggling as if sleep weren’t a necessity to them. After a while, you may get one child down, but there always seems to be one that won’t tucker out. If this sounds familiar and you’re in need of a solution, these tips just may do the trick.
Make Sure There’s Nothing Really Wrong
Now, before you start trying to swindle your kids into falling asleep faster it’s important to find out if there’s really something wrong. There are some children that suffer from conditions like ADHD which has symptoms that include hyperactivity. They may also be dealing with sensory processing disorders and their bedding or clothing could be making it hard to get rest. If this is the case you can try things like buying seamless socks for restless kids and other seamless products to reduce irritation. You may also consider consulting their pediatrician for a proper diagnosis and treatment options.
No Late Night Meals
If you’ve ruled out the possibility of something being really wrong that’s keeping your child awake, then you’re ready to try other methods to get them to sleep. The first suggestion would be to stop feeding them so close to bedtime. Food can actually cause an energy boost which can give your children just the fuel they need to stay up. Reduce their sugar intake several hours before bedtime and make sure they have eaten at least two hours before.
Think of Bathtime in a Different Light
When it’s time for a bath it’s alright to let the kids splash around for a little while to steal some of that energy, however, you can really use bathtime to your advantage. Instead of kid-flavored bubble baths, fill the tub with a soothing scent like lavender or vanilla to help calm them down. Just before it’s time to get out you can request they put away the toys and give them a good massage and scrub down. This will help to relax them and make them sleepy.
Music Can Work Wonders
Some children won’t sleep without some form of noise in the background. Letting the fall asleep to the television can work against you, however. The television exudes light that stimulates the brain to stay awake. Not to mention the content they’re watching can cause anxiety. Turn the television off and use music instead. Try to find instrumentals of soothing songs that can help ease your little one to sleep.
Create an Inviting Sleep Space
Where your child sleeps is very important. If their room is not designed for comfort, it could keep them up. You can create a more inviting scene that makes them comfortable and gently rocks them to sleep. Changing mattresses and pillows may be an option. You may also want to have darkening shades to create the illusion of nighttime (especially during the summer when it stays brighter longer). Make sure the temperature is comfortable and provide them with a soft stuffed animal to sleep with.
Being at war with your kids at bedtime is no fun. It can take hours to finally get them down and by then your energy has been drained. If your restless little one has been keeping the entire house up, there are some ways to help them get to sleep faster. If you try these and they still keep up their antics, you may need to speak with their pediatrician to find out if there could be other issues you’re not aware of.
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