Putting Your Kids to Bed

Tips for Putting Your Kids to Bed

American children are getting significantly less than the recommended hours of sleep each night, according to a study by the National Sleep Foundation. One reason may be that they are staying up too late, refusing to go to bed despite obvious signs of fatigue.

Keep in mind the following when you put your kids to bed:

• Let a toddler choose which pajamas to wear, what story to read and which stuffed animals to take to bed.
• Leave on a night-light or the bedroom light.
• Avoid scolding or punishing a child who cries when you leave the room, but do not reward crying by staying.
• Hold and comfort a toddler who is having a nightmare until the child calms down.
• Avoid letting a preschooler play too actively close to bedtime.
• If your child calls to you, go, but stay in the bedroom for no more than 10 minutes. If not yet asleep, assure the child that everything is fine and then leave.