HOW TO HELP YOUR CHILDREN STAY IN THEIR OWN BEDS AT NIGHT

 I have written and spoken about our trials and tribulations when it comes to Nila and sleeping in her own bed. Our co - sleeping journey over the years has been amazing and I have loved every minute of it but now she is getting older and wants sleepovers, getting her into a routine of being in her own bed every night  has been a little difficult.

There has been a few things that have really helped and I wanted to share them with you incase you were in a similar position and needed a little help :)

 SAFE PLACE 

The most important one is to make their bedroom feel safe.This might be an obvious one, and you are probably thinking of course it it safe, but Nila associated her room with bedtime only, and dreaded the thought of going in there.

Make it a happy and fun place to be. 

 ALONE TIME

This is where alone time comes in. Half an hour before bedtime we did alone time, where she went in her room and played, had her tv on or music and enjoyed being in there. Every afternoon I would set up her LOL doll house differently and this would be something she was excited to play with before bed.

I wouldn't hear a peep out of her apart from her using her imagination and having a lovely time creative playing. 

COMFORT TEDDY

Last Easter Nila became attached to a bunny , who she named Bunny :), and she goes everywhere with her now. Comforter at bedtime is such a lovely idea and Bunny has helped her feel snug and cosy in bed without any worry.

CREATE A BEDTIME STORY RITUAL 

Bedtime routines are key to creating an evening of habits and structure. Whether it be bath and bedtime book, or 10 minutes on the iPad. We have story time after alone time and it is one of my favourite times of the day, it also helps her with her reading and sometimes we take it in turn to read a page.

SPECIAL SUPPER 

It has been proven that children sleep so much better with full tummies. We are not talking a big mac and chips before bed, but we call it special supper, where the kids have a little something before bed - some strawberries and yoghurt or a a biscuit and milk. We also take 5 minutes of this time talking about how school went and what we are looking forward to for the next day.

Hopefully some of these ideas help you get your little one's bedtime routine into place and you in turn can have a good night sleep and get your evenings back :)