After attempting to complete that never ending to-do list, most parents could happily fall asleep on a washing line each evening given half the chance.
If only our children felt the same way and simply couldn’t wait for their heads to hit the pillow. Oh how simple life would be!
Unfortunately, such a scenario is akin to hens teeth so we are faced with the bedtime routine instead...
Your child may moan about this part of their day but they would no doubt be lost without it, so try your best to persevere. Routine may seem boring and restrictive but in actual fact it’s your child’s anchor. Not only does it give much needed boundaries it is also a huge form of comfort in their busy little lives.
Winding down
Taking things easy prior to bedtime is highly recommended if you want your child to enjoy a good night’s sleep. Make sure that meals, sporting activities and any rough and tumble games are finished and forgotten at least an hour before it’s time to climb the stairs. Letting food properly digest is extremely important, not least if you want an uninterrupted night’s sleep.
Just allowing the heart rate to come down and the mind to settle after a hectic day at school or play will go a long way to inducing a restful night’s slumber.
Start early…
A quick tidy up will mark the start of the bedtime routine, putting away any toys cluttering the floor or desk. Ask your child to help.
Make sure your child’s bed is made and looks inviting. Nobody wants to crawl beneath an unmade, scrunched up duvet.
Turn off any bright, overhead lights and put a night light or lamp on instead. Fairy lights are a great way to make a child’s bedroom look appealing and create a calming, relaxed atmosphere.
Bath and teeth
It’s our job to instil the importance of hygiene into our offspring whether they like it or not. Brushing teeth and at least a quick wash, are a daily must so don’t give in to any resistance!
Try and do this at the same time each evening, brushing your teeth alongside your child if it helps! Bath time can be equally fun but don’t let giddiness take over or you’ll never get your little one to sleep.
Story time
Children love being read to at bedtime, even if they may appear not to be listening! The story might often pass them by but your voice and presence most definitely do not. That closeness and comfort is so precious at the end of each day, giving you and them the chance to have some calm and quiet time together away from devices and the hullabaloo of busy family life.
A tale or chapter of a book each night will also encourage your child to see the fun in reading, especially if you take it in turns.
You’ll also get the chance to delve into all those books you wish you’d read as a child. It’s a great way for you wind down too!
Be patient!
When it comes to bedtime, routine is king and can have a huge impact on many areas of your child’s life. Their school work, their mood, their general wellbeing…
Getting your child to bed can often be a laborious task and after a hard day’s work it may feel like the very last thing you want to embark on. However, this may also be the only time during the day that you get to spend with your child so with that in mind, do your best to make it positive and fun. The chances are your child looks forward to this special time together so if you appear as though you’re itching to get downstairs to Corrie it won’t go down too well!
‘Series link’ is your friend here, plus tons of patience and your very best reading voice to boot! If you set aside ample time for a relaxed bedtime routine you’ll reap the rewards with a happy and healthy child.
Want to know more about children’s bedroom furniture by Little Lucy Willow?
At Little Lucy Willow we put comfort and safety above all else. Stunning design is just a bonus. Our children's furniture is luxurious, affordable and built to last.
We want to make sure you enjoy your shopping experience with Little Lucy Willow from start to finish. That’s why we are always ready to take your call and help you create a girl’s or boy’s bedroom that is perfectly suited to their needs – and dreams!
Contact a member of our friendly team on 0845 8030988 or email [email protected] with any questions about our products or to place an order.