Bedtime Routines: Kids Corner

Aired on Lifetime Television
Sunday, April 2 and June 11, 2006
Show 310

Does your family have a bedtime routine? You should because it's more important than you think. Many pediatricians believe babies as young as eight weeks old benefit from a consistent sleep pattern. And the same is true for toddlers and even pre-teens, not to mention parents. Peaceful, restorative sleep is both physically and mentally essential for good health. Creating a bedtime routine is not the easiest thing in the world to do, but there are techniques to help. First of all, keep TVs, computers, and video games out of the bedroom. They arouse your children's senses and needlessly keep them awake longer than necessary. And you know that "just one last thing" request kids always seem to come up with? If you expect it to happen, be prepared with a glass of water, a favorite toy, or whatever it may be. Be ready to appease those requests in a moment's notice. Being relaxed and calm are prerequisites for good sound sleep. Try a warm bath an hour before lights out. It's a great way for kids to relax and even have a little fun. Or how about a nice gentle massage? Babies are particularly sensitive to touch. Warm, gentle rubbing helps their young muscles relax and lulls them to sleep. And don't forget about storytelling. Nursery rhymes and fables may sound old fashioned and out-of-date, but young minds love fantasy and make believe. Choose a serial story with multiple chapters. Or one with a plot that continues to build over several evenings or even weeks. Before you know it, your children will actually look forward to going to bed. And isn't that what having a bedtime routine is all about?