Getting kids to bed
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Category: General Chat
Forum Name: General Chat
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URL: https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=25370
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Topic: Getting kids to bed
Posted By: FionaO
Subject: Getting kids to bed
Date Posted: 21 March 2009 at 5:05pm
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Hi,
I need some tips. In a couple of weeks we have dh's nieces for the weekend, normally they are pretty wild (lovely, but wild) and are up most the evening, crashing out late, and crashing rather than going to bed. I don't really want to be doing this, big fan of kids going to bed and getting a good nights sleep. Appreciate I don't have them for long, but what kind of things do you do with them to get them to go and stay in bed. They are 5 & 7. ------------- 
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Replies:
Posted By: caitlynsmygirl
Date Posted: 21 March 2009 at 7:12pm
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Im a big believer in kids needing to go to bed and getting a good nights sleep too (and big kids, eg, "kids" our age too )
Caitlyn is 6 , her bedtime routine has always been the same, dinner, warm relaxing bath , story , a song and lights out . Pretty simple , and so long as the bed is warm and comfy shes usually fine, unless shes being a rogue . In colder months I put a polar fleece blanket under her to lie on , to make it extra warm ------------- 
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Posted By: Leish
Date Posted: 21 March 2009 at 7:23pm
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If its going to be something they aren't used to, I would let them know earlier in the day what the plan for the evening is going to be. i.e. - after dinner you will be having a shower and then we can sit down and watch a movie (something nice and quiet) and after the movie it will be bedtime. Let them know as early as possible and remind them throughout the day/afternoon. ------------- http://lilypie.com">  http://lilypie.com">
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Posted By: Cassie
Date Posted: 22 March 2009 at 4:18pm
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When I was trying to get Ivy to stay in bed longer I told her that I was happy for her to look at a book quietly in bed (this was in the mornings though), until it was time to get up. Maybe you could try something like that? Tell them when bedtime is, then give them a half hour or so to read if they want before you turn the lights out for the night? Might get them to unwind a little by having that quiet time before sleep. ------------- ~Cassie~   
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Posted By: FionaO
Date Posted: 22 March 2009 at 6:44pm
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I like the idea of warning them that its coming.
They are such sweet girls, who go to bed too late, which then makes them grumpy the next day - so really want to make sure they get a good nights sleep. Thanks for the tips, i'll try the lot. -------------
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Posted By: busyissy
Date Posted: 23 March 2009 at 1:48pm
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They are definately old enough to sit down and talk to them about it, tell them the routine that will take place, dinner, bath, teeth, stories, lights out etc. Mention it at the start of the day and then ask them at dinner time if they remember what was going to happen at bedtime that night. If they can repeat something back to you then they have definately learnt and understood. Remind them if they have forgotten, repetition is really important for young children.
I bet you they will actually love the routine once they get used to the idea of it. All children really want is your time, comfort and security and a good bedtime routine is essential for that. |
Posted By: AandCsmum
Date Posted: 23 March 2009 at 9:26pm
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And surprisingly the earlier you get them into bed the better! I find that if I miss the 7pm or 7.30pm at the max with Alia who is just over 5 I'm stuffed & she won't go to sleep until 9.30pm or there abouts. She was in bed tonight at 6.40pm & suprisingly out like a light by 7pm...
That was dinner, bath & then bed  ------------- Kel http://lilypie.com"> 
A = 01.02.04 & C = 16.01.09 & G = 30.03.12 |