5 Steps to Get the Kids in Bed On-Time
It's 8:00 again and the kids are running around, still not in their pajamas and they just ate dinner. I know, it's depressing. After a long day at work all you want to do is have some 'me time' and cuddle with your man. But you can't. Cause they are still up. Been there. Done that.
While I'm still building, I've taken a few tips from my Elder Brown Mommys and am on my way to developing a night-time routine that will have the boys in the bed by 8:30 every night. Here they are:
#1. All day Sunday Cooking: I know it even sounds exhausting, but if you can put together a dinner menu for the kids on Sunday and at least make your meats (whole chicken, meatloaf, ground meat for tacos) you've won half the battle. The break you didn't get Sunday you can now get Monday - Friday.
#2. Give them Desert: As part of my 4 sides menu I always give my kids desert. That way I know for sure they are full. And, desert does not mean you have to load them up with sugar. You can give them two graham crackers, a fruit cup or a sugar-free popsicle.
#3. Get their pajamas out in the morning: I haven't done this yet, but I am planning on assigning the duty to my hubby because he gets the boys dressed in the morning. But, even if you are a Single Brown Mommy its really easy to get the PJs out when your getting the kiddies dressed for school. Plus, pajamas with cartoon characters make kids feel good about bedtime. PJs are a must have.
#4. Kiddie Downtime: This is extremely important. If you can get your kids to simmer down (without cartoons or video games which usually make them more hyper) before they go to bed they are more likely to go to sleep quicker. Most kids don't get downtime until their heads hit the pillow. So, by giving them quiet or book reading time it signals their bodies that its time to relax.
#5. CONSISTENCY: Once you've established a routine with your kids you won't have to tell them its bedtime; they're bodies will do the work for you. For me it's kinda like peeing in public restrooms. I've been successful at training my bladder to understand that I don't pee in public. So, it literally waits until I get home to even tell me it has to go--at least most of the time. Kids are the same way. Once their bodies get programmed for bedtime, their minds won't have a choice but to follow suit.
Oh, and I forgot to mention. Don't get stuck like this:
You're husband or man will hate you for it. After they turn about 3, it's time for them to go. Even when you live together late night booty calls are necessary if you wanna keep the man you've got. So, if he's yearning (lol) and you need to wear the kiddies out this Saturday join Brown Mommys at the Let's Move Family Dance Party or on Sunday at the Black Family Reunion. See ya there!