Getting your child go to sleep is a nightmare for some parents. Bedtime trouble is common among toddlers. They resist going to bed especially if they have older siblings who are still awake. There are way to get your child  to bed.

Ways to avoid bedtime troubles.

Here are some tips to help your child develop good sleep habits.

• get your child in the mood to sleep. This can be done by setting  up a quiet routine  so that your  child understands that it will soon be time for bed.  You can give him a bath, read to him or listen to quiet music.
• be consistent by making bedtime the same time every night. This helps your child to known what to expect and develop a healthy sleep pattern
• make sure your child is comfortable : It is essential to take care of you child need to make him comfortable. He may want the light on or like to drink water. This will prevent him from using them as an excuse not to sleep
• you can allow your child to go to bed with his favorite thing such as  favorite toy, teddy  bear or special blanket. These help them fall asleep especially if they wake up during the night. However, you have to make sure the item is safe and poses no choking hazard to the child.
• dont share your bed with your child . This  make it harder for him to fall asleep when he is alone.
• do not go to your child’s room every time  he calls. You can do the following instead
  • wait for  several  seconds  before answering
  • remind  the child that you are there. If you go to the room, do not turn the light on, play with he child or stay too long
  • remind him each time he calls that its time to sleep
  • move farther away from your child’s bed  every time  you go in until you can reassure him verbally without having to enter his room
• If the child comes to your room, calmly  and firmly return him back to his bed.  For some children , retuning them multiple times works but if doesn’t,  let the child know that you will close the bedroom door.
• ignore complains and firmly and calmly let the child know that its time for bed. Struggling with your child will only makes matters worse
• be patient and dont give up. It takes time to help your child get a good sleep pattern. You have to try and understand and be patient with the child