Putting the kids to bed is one of the highlights of every hardworking mom's day. There is something so satisfying about saying that quiet good night, turning out the light and softly closing the door. Do you think I'm dreaming? It is possible, you know.
The routine you set up for the evening makes a big difference in how easily your kids go to bed. If you spend the time after dinner roughhousing and wrestling and getting the kids all worked up, it's going to be difficult to get them to relax. Save the stimulating activities for the afternoon. The same goes for video games and movies. They usually aren't conducive to sleep. Try to see to it that anything done after dinner is aimed at quieting down the kids for the night.
Work on establishing a regular routine of bedtime activities that your children can expect every night before they go to bed. This might include nightly reading aloud a story or scriptures, a bath and teeth brushing, saying prayers and being tucked in by Daddy and/or Mommy. Whatever you decide to do, do it regularly and try to make it a time of winding down for the whole family.
If you can get your kids in the habit of going to bed early and without too much fuss, the rest of the evening is now yours and your husband's to enjoy. And you deserve it!
Mid April Thoughts
3 days ago
People have wondered for years how we have gotten our kids to go to bed so early. It is just a matter of sticking to it from an early age. The kids try periodically to revolt, and there are times that we give in, but in general the expectation stays. Plus the kids get a time to read, play quietly etc. They aren't expected to sleep when put to bed. I keep saying that after 7pm, I am done being mom. My patience definitely wears thin around that time... :)
ReplyDeleteRoutine, Consistency, Patience. The magic formula :)
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