 Are you having trouble putting your child to bed every night? Children need consistency, so it is crucial that you develop a bedtime routine. The Kangaroo Forest has compiled a list of tips for developing an age-appropriate, effective bedtime routine:
Avoid stimulating activities before bedtime
The hours leading up to bedtime set the tone for the rest of the evening. If you allow your child to participate in stimulating activities before bed (such as video games and toys), they will likely have too much energy to even sit still. Children need time to wind down before bed. If you want your child to go to sleep at 9:00 PM, request that they put away their games and toys by 7:00 PM. Then, put on a movie or give your child a book to read so they have a calm activity to occupy themselves with until bedtime.
Maintain a strict schedule
Children thrive on a schedule. For instance, when a child develops a habit of brushing their teeth at 8:00 PM and going to bed by 8:30 PM, they know what to expect each night. By developing a schedule, you will experience less resistance at bedtime and fewer sleep-deprived tantrums the next day. 
Keep it briefThe longer you drag out your child’s bedtime routine, the less likely it is your child will remain in their bed. When a child’s bedtime routine is lengthy and lacks structure, they will find excuses to get out of bed. Therefore, you should keep it brief. Make time for one bedtime story and then put your child to bed!
At The Kangaroo Forest, we understand the importance of an effective bedtime routine - after all, sleep is important! Children need 10-12 hours of sleep each night to function; if your child is not getting adequate sleep, they will likely experience mood swings and fatigue. At The Kangaroo Forest, we designate time for daily naps so our students are prepared to learn at all times. Interested in learning more about our programs? Contact us today! | 
