I was reminded recently how important bedtime routines are for smaller children.  Perhaps you haven’t noticed, but it is the sworn duty of children to —

Eat too much sugar

Resist directions

Stay up as late as possible

This combination can easily make it a nightmare to get everyone to bed 🙂 at a decent moment.

I just read this article on bedtime routines…which I like.  The ideas are sound, however I’m not sure why waiting until a baby is three months old to begin is a necessary precaution.

Bedtime Routines: The Key to Sound Baby Sleep

One of the easiest ways to help your little one sleep well is by establishing a relaxing bedtime routine. Babies and toddlers naturally enjoy routines – and establishing a consistent bedtime routine from about 3 months of age

Jody and I experienced a lot of sanity by helping our 5 children settle into a bedtime sleep routine (including sleeping through the night) by the time they were 6 weeks old.  Imagine how much sanity (and peace) might be in your hope if you could simple say “Bedtime” and the house turned quiet!

Here’s our suggestions:

1.  Decide who will run your home.  If the children are in charge of the decisions then you are doomed.  You also are at the wrong site.

2.  Pick an actual I-want-you-in-your-bed-for-the-rest-of-the-night time for each child.  We spaced it out a bit…older children could stay up a little later.

3.  Write up and post (on the fridge  or somewhere) the actual sequence of steps to get into bed…bath, teeth, dress, straighten…  Also, explain the plan to all the children in a group meeting.

4.  Especially explain to the children that they do not have to sleep all night, they just must stay in (on it / always touching it like home plate) their bed the whole night.  This really is accurate as bedtime (instead of sleep-time).

5.  Put it on the calendar to review your betime plan in one month.  In the meantime, just work toward it without worry.  Worry if it isn’t working in a month.

Well, that’s a good bedtime routine start.  I dare you to try it for a month.

Blessings,

Fred Lybrand

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DrFRL
DrFRL

Dr. Lybrand and his wife (Jody) of 40 years homeschooled their 5 children from birth to college, where they all excelled in academics and community (University of Texas & Abilene Christian). Dr. & Mrs. Lybrand have combined degrees of 2 BA's, 2 Masters, and 1 Doctorate), Fred and Jody have stuck with their faith and their obsession with practical learning. As a result, the overall theme of "Teaching Them to Learn How to Learn" invades everything they offer. Dr. Lybrand pastored for 25 years and currently coaches, consults, and trains leaders in businesses, churches, and non-profits. Among his client list are the U.S. Air Force, CRU, Be Broken, Continental Resources, State Farm Insurance, and Pioneer Natural Resources. Of course, one of his favorite interests is helping homeschoolers excel, and he does so with the 10 Courses of The Independent Homeschooer Curriculum & directly mentoring parents who belong to the tribe. Dr. Fred Ray Lybrand Jr. www.fredraylybrand.com

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