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Parenting Solutions: frank discussion about real parenting challenges

Bedtime Routines, by Loretta Jay

Bedtime Routines. How important are bedtime routines? Does it really matter if we skip the story? What if a part of the bedtime routine is removed as a consequence for misbehavior?

What do other parents say?

One mother’s bedtime routine for her kids includes a bath most nights, 20-30 minutes of video and a story. She says that if her boys are misbehaving they may lose the story, or won’t be allowed to do one of the “fun!” routine tasks. For instance, she would turn the nightlight on, instead of allowing one of the kids to do it.

Another mother allows her children to watch TV for about an hour after dinner and bath. They then read a story before going to sleep. She removes the privilege of television for misbehavior, but she always ‘keeps’ the story-time. On Sundays she has a special routine for her kids; no television, and instead the entire family plays a game together.

What do the pros say?

Dr. Marc Weissbluth, author of “Healthy Sleep Habits, Happy Child” says that bedtime routines are very important.  He explains that regularizing the sleep routines has been shown to reduce daytime sleepiness and promote long-lasting improvements in alertness for well-rested young adults. The regularity improves sleeps ability to reverse daytime drowsiness. Some children require help calming down at the end of a day. A hot lavender bubble baths for 15-20 minutes has been known to help some people relax.

Tracy Hogg, a.k.a. “The Baby Whisperer”, also advocates routines. The routine prepares your child for bed and ends stimulating activities like TV or play. She says that reading a book is a good transition between these activities and sleep.

Dr. Fern Perlman, of Bay Street Pediatrics in Westport, does not recommend removing the “warm and fuzzy” parts of the bedtime routine as part of the disciplining process. She explains that children should have a positive feeling about going to bed.

So, keep on reading and enjoy and some good ole’ snuggling with your little ones.

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