Get The Child Into A Routine
For those who are in the midst of the bedtime battle, having a daily schedule with a wake up and bedtime is that is consistent will help. This means that a child’s body can get used to going to bed, whether that is naptime or nighttime, at the same time everyday. A scheduled wake up time helps this process as well. If bedtime has become a battle it may be best to place a priority on being home with enough time to be consistent with bedtime.
Another thing that helps a child get prepared for sleep is a predictable bedtime routine. This can be established for both nap and nighttime. A warm bath and teeth brushed, followed by low lights and calming activities help this process. For example, taking the time to sit with your child to read them a story or Bible story will be much more helpful then a tickle fest or pillow fight. Make sure to sit with your child after lights out to pray with them. This also helps them end the bedtime routine in a peaceful and relational way rather then a battle.
Take the time to analyze your schedule or bedtime routine to see if there is anything that is detrimental to your child getting sleepy or fueling the bedtime fight.
