Q: Bedtime is a nightmare around our house. Our seven-year-old resists the call to go to bed and our four-year-old asks for a glass of water a number of times once she is tucked in for the night. Both of them make frequent trips to the washroom after their lights are out. It is bedtime stress and it is starting to hurt our family. What can we do about it?
A: I hope that you begin by talking to your family doctor or pediatrician. Chances are that both children are healthy but you need assurance that nothing is running interference with your children’s sleeping patterns.
Read Also
Communication key to bridging generation gap
Each generation is shaped by the predominant forces at play during their formative years. Acknowledging these influences can improve communication among the generations.
Few children get the 10 hours sleep they need. Few adolescents get their required nine hours of sleep and fewer of their parents get their eight hours.
To work effectively with children, you need to recognize how important sleep is to your entire household. At your next family meeting, let your children know that all of you will take going to bed more seriously.
Set up regular bedtime routines and evening baths, snacks and quiet times. TVs and computers need to be off at least an hour before bedtime. Everyone in the family needs to commit to exercise and honour the family boycott of junk food.
Bedtime should be at a reasonable hour. Each person in your family should step into a darkened and cooled bedroom with electronics turned off.
Ensure there are hugs and kisses from Mom and Dad and any other assurances the children need.
Change will not be dramatic. Adjusting to new and different routines takes time, but these evening routines will change your children’s behaviour.
The entire family will be more rested and more likely to get along with each other better.
Jacklin Andrews is a family counsellor from Saskatchewan. Contact: jandrews@producer.com.
