Bedtime Routines

Parenting can be very challenging and overwhelming at points, there are times when you can feel like you have done all that you can and your child is still crying, still won’t obey or the worst, is still not satisfied with your efforts.  One of the most challenging times include eating, traveling and the most frustrating of them all, bed time.  This is a time that most parents do not realize has the potential to have a lasting effect on their children, not only in the sense of the amount and quality of their sleep, but can be a great time for parents and children to bond and connect.  It is important for parents to develop a bedtime routine, one that is the same all the time so that the child begins to look at that time as comforting and relaxing, both critical to a successful bed-time routine. This routine should never include electronics, it is harder to fall asleep with TV on and obviously nearly impossible to fall asleep while playing video games. Now this can be difficult, kids will cry and insist and promise that they will fall asleep if you allow them to indulge in these activities before bed, but it is important to say no, here is why. There is research that has proven that the best type of routine should include language-based routines.  ‘This research suggests regular use of language-based bedtime routines including singing, reading, and/or storytelling at bedtime may have a lasting positive benefit for children’s sleep durations and cognitive development.’ (Hale, 2011) The research also reflects a positive correlation with language-based bedtime routines and children having less anxiety, less aggressive behaviors and children are less likely to be withdrawn both at home and in school settings.  So parents, take this time to connect with your children and also have them benefit at the same time, plus what is better that having your little one fall asleep in your arms, sure beats having to listen to them cry themselves to sleep.

Some examples of language-based bedtime routines:

-       -Sing to your child, they can even join in if they want

-       -Read a book with them, most children have a favorite that they can’t hear enough

-       -Tell them a story, make one up on the spot, they can give you a category, princesses, princes, animals, just take it and run with it, they will love it no matter what

-       -Simply talk with your little one, ask them about their day, allow them to ask you questions and make sure you answer them

Those are just a few examples, but there are tons of them out there. The most important part is to engage with your child and connect with them, love them and make it obvious to them that that time is just as important to you as it is to them.

Hale, L. (2011). A longitudinal study of preschoolers' language-based bedtime routines, sleep duration, and well-being. 25(3), 423-433. Retrieved from http://web.ebscohost.com.ezproxy.lib.utah.edu/ehost/pdfviewer/pdfviewer?sid=799e488e-9836-4a64-b073-af2ba8a0ade6@sessionmgr110&vid=2&hid=121