Nursery World - A parent's guide tobedtime routines

Many children will resist going to bed and going to sleep. There are numerous reasons - these might include fear of the dark, lack of security, not wanting to miss anything, being over-stimulated or over-tired. An effective and well thought-out bedtime routine can go a long way towards alleviating many of these problems. How can I create the perfect bedtime routine for my child?

How can I create the perfect bedtime routine for my child?

A suggested routine might be playing a game with children after tea, followed by a bath which marks the start of 'wind-down' time. Bathtime is a good time for parents to talk with their child about his or her day. After the bath, it's time for pyjamas.

There may be time for a quiet activity such as a jigsaw before a child is helped to brush their teeth and then go to the toilet for the last time before getting into bed and enjoying a bedtime story. After the story, the same phrase can be used every night to mark the end of the day and to give the child a feeling of security. For example, 'It's time to go to sleep now. Sleep tight. I'll see you in the morning.'

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