More ideas and thoughts on bedtime issues with older children:

c. Bedtime routine. Determine if this will be done before or after the set bedtime at your house. For example, if bedtime is 9pm, does that mean that all of the pre-bed routine needs to be completed before 9pm? Or does it mean that the child can begin preparations at 9pm? Being very clear cut about what the routine is and when it is expected to be completed can take a lot of hassle out of bedtime. If it seems that this is the area that your kids are getting... more

In Part One, I talked more about bedtime issues with young children. Here, I will talk about bedtime issues with our older kids.

3. Preschoolers through High School (Preschoolers may be young for these ideas; please adjust as they fit your individual child.)

a. Set a bedtime by age or grade and stick to it, for the most part. Make exceptions when needed, of course, But, having a “rule” takes the fight out.... more

When I hear a parent utter the word “bedtime”, I clench up a little right off. It nearly always is followed by a parent’s frustrations with bedtime issues. How can we all make bedtime more pleasant for ourselves and our kids??

I do not have the magic answer. Just to state that up front so y’all are not mislead. I’ll just share a little of what I’ve experienced so far – and if you’d like to share another idea, please add on! I’m sure we’d all love to learn more!

First of all, bedtimes with babies are totally different... more

What is it about sleeping babies & children? I love photos of sleeping Children. They can stop me in my tracks and bring out something in me. I love watching my daughter sleep. I remember the first time she feel asleep in my arms, in the van shortly after leaving the baby home. I just felt so protective of her, like a Mama bear. My husband snapped a picture of that moment and I can honestly say I have never had that type of look on my face. It’s a very special picture to me and its the picture Im sharing with you today. Everyone who looks at... more

When I worked as a Home visitor the most common complaint across the board was “ My child wont sleep”. This was the most prevalent and common issue parents asked for advice on. The second most popular issue was with picky eaters. It ranged from the child not sleeping in his/her own bed (co-sleeping was not encouraged by my old employer) or the child having such terrible tantrums and fits at bedtime. Many times the parent had to sleep with the child. In all cases bedtime was a huge ordeal. Most Moms’ were in tears as they explained the crying, screaming and... more