Tips on Putting Your Child to Bed

Every child is different and their needs and whims vary when it is time to go to bed. They always have a different excuse not to go to bed and they will change strategy in order to stay up a little longer.
Here are some tips and things you can do to make it easier on yourself and them: The crier- Many start crying before you even mention bedtime.
Others will be put in bed and then they will start crying painfully.
Try the following approaches, they work: * At least one hour before bedtime, turn off some lights, put away toys and start slowing things down in the house.

Try to create a quiet peaceful environment so your child starts winding down and relaxes.

If he believes everybody is going to be d he will cooperate more. * When you put him to bed, fuzz around him a little, tuck him in, adjust the pillow and kiss him good night. * A white noise machine or relaxing CD will also help him go to sleep faster.

The music and sounds will also hide the noises produced by activity in the rest of the house.
* They are very sneaky.
When he cries ignore him as long as possible.

If you come to him immediately he will have the key to make you come to him every time. Let the baby cry, it will not hurt him * When you finally come into the room, do not pick him out of the bed. Just talk to him and touch him, let him know you are there with him but that he is staying in the bed. The tantrum thrower- If you have one of those babies that go crazy when you try to put them to sleep, he cries, screams and throws a tantrum, here is what you should do: * Do not allow any wild activities at least one hour before bed, do not let him run or play around. Watching a movie, reading a book or playing with a puzzle are fine activities, no horse play or running around. * A bed time ritual must be established and it must be followed every day. This will let him know ahead of time he is going to bed. First the pajamas, brush teeth, read a story or sing a song these are good signs for him that it is time to sleep.

After this you can tuck him in and say your prayers, a good night kiss and that is it. * Once the child is in the room, do not let him leave, potty and a drink of water should be part of the ritual so he does not have an excuse to leave the room or his bed.

* If he starts crying and has a meltdown, do not talk to him.

Just make him get into the bed and leave. Tantrums are techniques and tests to see how far you are willing to let him go, if you stay and talk he will have won.

Just put him back into the bed and leave. * If he does not go to sleep within a few minutes, it is possible that he is sleeping too much during the day. Try changing his day routine and adjusting his resting periods so he is tired when it is bedtime * Do not lay in bed with him for any reason.
It may happen that you fall asleep and he doesn't.
A child must learn from early age to sleep alone and feel safe in his bed.

Be firm and stick to the bedtime routine you have set.
Children can be sneaky and they will always find something new with which to stall going to bed.
It will be a constant tug-of-war between you for as long time so be ready. Above all do not spank him or yell, keep calm because if you hurt them then there is a good chance you'll feel sorry later on.