Bedtime can't come soon enough for parents after a long day, but children often remain excitable and energetic until they fall asleep. The routine leading up to bedtime plays a role in how your children behave. Changes to your evening activity routine can help calm the children so they are easier to get to bed.
Timing
If your child has difficulty calming down by his bedtime, start your routine earlier in the evening. Instead of waiting until right before the designated bedtime, start an hour or more before by switching gears to more calming activities. By creating a calm environment earlier in the evening, you give your kids a chance to get their silliness under control. You also feel less stress because you aren't rushed to get them under control and in bed with only a few minutes to spare.
Evening Activities
Put away any active games or toys that encourage silliness and wild behaviors in the last hour or two before bedtime. Turn off the television, computer, video games and other stimulating items in the home. Instead choose quiet activities the kids can do while sitting down, including puzzles, reading, coloring or telling stories. If your child acts too silly to sit down for these activities, have her shake out her silliness as a game. She shakes around the room to get all of the silliness out of her body so she can sit calmly. The calming activities make it easier to transition into the bedtime routine that might include brushing teeth, bathing, cuddling or reading.
Snacks
If your child likes a snack in the evening, consider what you feed him and how it might affect his behavior. Foods high in sugar tend to wind up children, potentially making them more difficult to calm down. Choose a common snack that your child likes but doesn't get too excited about to avoid additional commotion. Try peanut butter toast, a bowl of low-sugar cereal or plain yogurt with fresh fruit.
Tips
Keep the bedtime routine consistent to help your child understand when it is time to calm down. Lavender is a scent known for its calming effects. Integrate it into the bedtime routine through an air freshener or essential oils in the bathtub. Massaging your child calmly may help him settle down for bedtime. Staying calm yourself is often difficult if your child is uncooperative, but getting frustrated will likely cause your child to stay out of control.
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