While bedtime is supposed to be a gradual winding down of the day, it often becomes a struggle when you have two young children. Kids who are afraid of missing out on nighttime activities, who are defiant or who simply aren't tired make bedtime a nightly battle. Instead of allowing your kids to run the show, work to make a predictable bedtime routine based on your kids' ages. When you make bedtime a consistent part of their day, it's easier to win the war on sleep.
Step 1
Arrange for the proper amount of sleep during the day and at night. Children who take lengthy naps throughout the day simply might not be tired come bedtime, while overtired kids become cranky and fight the urge to sleep. If your kids are different ages, their sleep needs are different: Preschoolers need 11 to 12 hours a night, and those needs decrease as they age. Experiment with naps and bedtime to find what works for both of your children.
Step 2
Stagger bedtimes if your children have a large age gap. A 2-year-old needs more sleep than a 6-year-old, so it might be helpful and less stressful to put your younger child to bed first. This eliminates talking and playing if your kids share a room. Once the younger sibling is asleep, then put your older child to bed.
Step 3
Establish a predictable and consistent bedtime routine for your children to follow. Start at least 30 minutes before bedtime and include quiet activities such as taking a warm bath, singing songs or reading books. This tells your children that it's time for bed and alerts both their bodies and their minds to impending sleep. Keep bedtime and its routine consistent, even on weekends.
Step 4
Allow each kid to select a comfort item that is allowed only at bedtime. Ensure the comfort item is something quiet, such as a blanket or small stuffed animal. Keep the comfort items hidden throughout the day, distributing them only at nighttime so your children are more motivated to get into bed and spend a few minutes with their comfort items.
Step 5
Create a goal and reward chart to keep your kids motivated to behave come bedtime. A goal of going to bed without fights for an entire week could be rewarded with a small toy or an outing to the movies or the museum. Set clear rules for gaining a reward, such as going to bed without fighting and not getting out of bed once lights are out. This helps your children understand expectations and learn the rewards of following nighttime rules.
