Image by storyvillegirl via FlickrIf you are like many time-crunched modern parents, you’ve got some version of a daily “to-do” list for yourself. Perhaps it is a hour-by-hour agenda you keep on your blackberry or iphone; perhaps it’s a physical list that you write down and keep with you through the day; or maybe it is something that you keep in your head, no need to write it down because it’s always pretty much the same. Whatever your system, you’ve likely found some sort of way of organizing yourself to help make getting through your day easier.
Throughout your day you constantly shift gears in small ways you may not even realize and in large ways that require you to hit the reset button. As an adult you have the ability to navigate your day independently, making these adjustments here and there as the day demands. Your ability to do this makes you successful. Your child will also benefit from a way to organize the day; some sort of schedule that gives some predictability. A young child depends on you to create this structure to help them be successful.
Creating a routine for your child doesn’t have to be difficult. The most important part (and many parents find this to be the most challenging part) is to BE CONSISTENT! Below is an example of how to create a bedtime schedule, but you can create a schedule for anything for your child. Think about times of the day that may be more difficult for your child. This may be a time when they need more structure. Transitions are often difficult for children and are a good time to create some sort of consistent, expected routine.
Try this:
When thinking about creating a bedtime routine, start with a time that works for you. Think about your own evening schedule and what priorities you and your partner or spouse have for your evening. Do you want some time alone at the end of the day? Do you see your evenings as family time and want some extra time together before bed? Whether your child goes to sleep at 7pm or 10pm doesn’t really matter so do what makes sense for you and your family. What does matter is that you do it the same every night.
When it is time to start winding down for the day start with lowering the lights in the rooms where you will be until bedtime. Change into PJ’s and a new diaper for the night. You might want to do a little bit of massage using calming lavender oil or lotion. Slowly rub it into your baby’s arms and legs using smooth and long motions. Next, keeping the lights dim, read a few books to your little one. Even if your baby doesn’t understand anything about reading yet, setting up the routine to include this is important as it gives exposure to books, words and the flow of language during reading. It also can be a fun part of a bedtime routine. When the books are done you may choose to turn the lights off, only keeping a dim night light on. You may want to rock or sit with your baby for a few more minutes to continue the calm energy of the routine. Singing some quiet, soothing songs or playing soothing sounds at this point may also be nice. Once your baby is relaxed, place him or her in the crib—and off to dreamland they go! Obviously, there are adjustments that can be made to this routine. Again, do what works for you, your family and your baby. If your baby nurses or your toddler has a bedtime snack, incorporating that is fine. The most important thing is that you are consistent with the routine. Do things the same way each night. Soon, your child will automatically shift into bedtime mode when the first step of your routine starts!
Remember to keep your expectations in check. If your baby is not used to a new routine it will likely take some time before it becomes familiar. Expect that your baby may cry or fuss initially when you put them in the crib without fully being asleep. This in normal! Helping your baby find his or her way to sleep independently will make a world of difference once the toddler years roll around. And if your child is already a toddler, it may be difficult in the beginning but stick with it. It will ultimately be more helpful for both you and your child to be able to go to sleep independently.
Throughout your day you constantly shift gears in small ways you may not even realize and in large ways that require you to hit the reset button. As an adult you have the ability to navigate your day independently, making these adjustments here and there as the day demands. Your ability to do this makes you successful. Your child will also benefit from a way to organize the day; some sort of schedule that gives some predictability. A young child depends on you to create this structure to help them be successful.
Creating a routine for your child doesn’t have to be difficult. The most important part (and many parents find this to be the most challenging part) is to BE CONSISTENT! Below is an example of how to create a bedtime schedule, but you can create a schedule for anything for your child. Think about times of the day that may be more difficult for your child. This may be a time when they need more structure. Transitions are often difficult for children and are a good time to create some sort of consistent, expected routine.
Try this:
When thinking about creating a bedtime routine, start with a time that works for you. Think about your own evening schedule and what priorities you and your partner or spouse have for your evening. Do you want some time alone at the end of the day? Do you see your evenings as family time and want some extra time together before bed? Whether your child goes to sleep at 7pm or 10pm doesn’t really matter so do what makes sense for you and your family. What does matter is that you do it the same every night.
When it is time to start winding down for the day start with lowering the lights in the rooms where you will be until bedtime. Change into PJ’s and a new diaper for the night. You might want to do a little bit of massage using calming lavender oil or lotion. Slowly rub it into your baby’s arms and legs using smooth and long motions. Next, keeping the lights dim, read a few books to your little one. Even if your baby doesn’t understand anything about reading yet, setting up the routine to include this is important as it gives exposure to books, words and the flow of language during reading. It also can be a fun part of a bedtime routine. When the books are done you may choose to turn the lights off, only keeping a dim night light on. You may want to rock or sit with your baby for a few more minutes to continue the calm energy of the routine. Singing some quiet, soothing songs or playing soothing sounds at this point may also be nice. Once your baby is relaxed, place him or her in the crib—and off to dreamland they go! Obviously, there are adjustments that can be made to this routine. Again, do what works for you, your family and your baby. If your baby nurses or your toddler has a bedtime snack, incorporating that is fine. The most important thing is that you are consistent with the routine. Do things the same way each night. Soon, your child will automatically shift into bedtime mode when the first step of your routine starts!
Remember to keep your expectations in check. If your baby is not used to a new routine it will likely take some time before it becomes familiar. Expect that your baby may cry or fuss initially when you put them in the crib without fully being asleep. This in normal! Helping your baby find his or her way to sleep independently will make a world of difference once the toddler years roll around. And if your child is already a toddler, it may be difficult in the beginning but stick with it. It will ultimately be more helpful for both you and your child to be able to go to sleep independently.
