Below:
 • Why is it important to get my child to bed early?
 • How can I put a stop to bedtime struggles?

Note: This article has been localised for an Irish audience.

Children need a lot of sleep to function at their best. Toddlers and play school children may need 11½ to 13½ hours of sleep every day and at this age, a later bedtime doesn't usually mean a later rising time. Children who don't get enough sleep tend to be cranky, irritable and easily frustrated. Some even become overactive in an effort to keep themselves awake. Besides, putting your child to bed early gives you a little time for yourself or your partner at the end of the day. Keeping to a regular bedtime also teaches your child about limits.

Why does my child have such a hard time going to bed? Children don't want to miss out on anything (they think the fun starts after they go to sleep). Your child may also be having trouble separating from you, or he might simply be trying to assert his independence.

Follow these tried-and-tested strategies:

•Set a reasonable bedtime and enforce it consistently. If you periodically give in to your child's requests to stay up later, he'll try every time.

•Establish an evening routine, maybe a bath followed by a story or two. This gives your child a chance to wind down and signals that his day is over. You can make the ritual fun - something he can look forward to, such as stories or games or simply time alone with you - but keep it quiet so he doesn't get too active.

•Give him ample warning. You can tell your child that bedtime is in 30 minutes. If he doesn't have much of a sense of time yet, set a timer or tell him that it'll be time when a certain TV programme is over for instance.

•Make his room a pleasant place, with his favourite stuffed animals and a nightlight if he wants one. The more inviting his bedroom, the more he'll want to be there.

•Give him some control. He can't decide when he'll go to bed, but he can decide which pyjamas he'll wear or what book he wants to read (even if its the same one night after night).

•Anticipate his needs. If he constantly asks for water at bedtime, place a cup on his bedside table. Before you leave his room each night, ask if he needs anything else.

•Deal with his fears. If your child has trouble separating from you, be sure to tell him that you'll be nearby and will check on him. Its important for him to feel he can count on you to see that he's safe, even if you're not with him every second.

Don't worry if these strategies don't work immediately, particularly if you've never set a bedtime routine before. It might take a couple of weeks for your family to settle into the routine. In the meantime, be understanding but firm about sticking to it, even if its not convenient for you. It might sometimes be easier to let your child fall asleep on the sofa while you watch TV or read a book, but you'll be better off in the long run - and so will your child - if he has a regular routine.

This article has been revised by Vhihealthe for its audience and may contain, among other things, information or medical practices that are unique to Ireland. Neither Consumer Health Interactive nor the original author make any warranty as to the accuracy of the article as revised, and assume no responsibility for modified content.

First published August 8, 2003
Last updated February 7, 2007
Copyright © 2003 Consumer Health Interactive

or find more on: Back to top of page

See all readers' comments Comments Name (optional) E-mail (optional)