GETTING children to go to bed quietly and get a good night’s sleep can be an uphill battle.
Once you’re past the sleepless night baby phase, you’ve got all the fun of toddlers getting in and out of bed to contend with.
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But according to a professional, there’s a key phrase that you should avoid saying, and if you’re a parent, you’ve probably used it a lot.
If you want a relaxed end to the day, parents are advised not to say “go to bed” to their little ones.
Child sleep consultant Ali Lazar, who is the founder of Goodnight Sleep Site, explained that it’s rushing your child when what you really want them to do is slow down.
She said: “Your child’s requests—say, for one more bedtime snack—are bids for attention.
“Bedtime is a time of separation anxiety for kids and often times we’re moving too fast.
“Parents feel like, wow, this routine is ticking on too long, impeding on our time to watch Netflix or get work done, but kids feel that energy and grip onto us even more.”
But rather than letting out an exasperated “go to bed” the pro has another suggestion.
She said: “Give your kid undivided attention—a couple of minutes of playtime on the floor where you do kid yoga together or gaze at the stars on their bedroom ceiling.
“You can also give them choices that show you want to collaborate. For example, here are two jammies or two books.
“Ask them, ‘Which one do you want to wear? Which book do you want to read?’ You’re limiting the time spent, but also delivering on quiet, fun energy.”
She explained that if you want to keep your children feeling relaxed and ready to bed, they need to feel your patience and attention.
