One of my biggest challenges as a parent has been establishing an effective bedtime ritual. The ritual get’s modified from time to time to adjust for what works and what doesn’t work.
Here’s what works for us right now:
Having a glass of milk (sometimes with a light non-sugary snack) before bed. You can learn more about the possible benefits of a glass of milk before bed by visiting my buddy and guru of positivity El Maestro Del Vaso Medio Lleno on Facebook.- Brushing our teeth. That’s how they know the kitchen is closed.
- Making the sure oldest has gone to the bathroom and the youngest has a clean diaper on.
- Getting into our pj’s.
Reading a bedtime story or 700. Our home is full of storybooks and recently we’ve also started reading stories from www.otroscuentos.com. The girls love the novelty of reading a book online, I love that I can read the books to them in Spanish. Right now a favorite is, Elena La Mona Ruidosa.- Putting on soothing music or white noise for them to sleep.
Here’s a list of things that haven’t worked:
- Letting the girls have sugary snacks late in the evening.
- Letting them stay up later than usual so they will be more tired. Doesn’t work, they just get over-tired and then the adrenaline kicks in and makes them fight sleep even more.
- Rushing through the bedtime routine. If we’re a little behind it doesn’t help to skip reading because they feel cheated.
- Having a too-bright nightlight. It has taken us a long time to find a nightlight that keeps the room dark enough for them to sleep well, but light enough for them to feel secure.
Finding the best bedtime routine for your children means creating a routine that works for your family, that has some flexibility, can be modified from time to time, and is pleasant for both the children and parents.
This is part of a sponsored campaign with the California Milk Processor Board and Latina Mom Bloggers. However, all opinions expressed are my own.
Excellent post! Very importante for multiple kids. Love the pics of the girls!
Hey Claudya! Some of those work well on me, too! I used to love a bath before bed as a kid, but these days I’ll too damned tall/wide. I need a bigger bath! And yes, it’s all about routine. Indigo x
Good advice. Works for my husband also!
I don’t even wanna tell you what works for my husband, but you can imagine.
Ladies, perleez!
Some of us have delicate sensibilities; we’re easily embarrassed; we’ve got over-active imaginations…..
😉
L
I know some kids are a lot harder than others at bedtime, but establishing a routine definitely helps. One of my granddaughters (Put Pie’s age) is for sure a night person. Even if she is in bed by 8 she talks and plays for an hour or two, but will sleep as late as they let her in the morning.
Oh rushing the bedtime routine is always my biggest mistake! Milk, always one of the best!
Muy buenos tips, me agrada la idea de la música y claro nuestro “vasito” de leche no puede faltar.
Thanks for sharing your tips. I agree with you, flexibility is important when it comes to a routine for the whole family.