Bedtime routines-help

[jinglymum]

Hi

My 4 year old doesn't have a bedtime routine as such, I know I know I should have sorted this earlier, anyway he goes to sleep anywhere between 9-9:30, he's starting school next week so I need to get this sorted for that so he's not tired in school.

Anyone care to share their nighttime routine? I work full time, I'm not usually home until 5:30ish.

Thanks

[TheBitterBoy]

I don't think there is any 'should' about this. What time does he usually wake up, and is this early enough to get sorted for the school run? Does he usually have enough energy during the day now? If both answers are yes and you are content with his bedtime I wouldn't worry about it.

[mabythesea]

My 5 year old (and 18 month old) have tea about 5.30-6, then a bath. They have a cup of milk and watch some TV, 18 month old goes to bed at 7pm. 5 year old has a story then goes to bed 7.15-7.30pm.

[AugustRose]

You will probably find he is more tired once he starts school so it might help if you do want a routine to start it then - but be prepared for the overly tired tantrums.

DS2 is 4 and is also starting school, his normal routine is a bit out with the holidays but normally it is tea 5.30-6.00pm then bath or playing. If playing then we do the washing/teeth/toilet at about 7.15pm, into bed for a story at 7.30pm.

It doesn't matter in your DS's timing are a bit later if you are both happy - my DS can go to bed late (sometimes he just lies awake until 9pm talking to himself) but is rarely tired in the morning, he seems to have enough energy for all of us.

[jinglymum]

He's usually up for 7am most mornings, I get him ready and drop him off at breakfast club for 8am. He does seem to need less sleep than others his age.

I need to get him in his own bed, he sleeps with me because he likes to cuddle, that's one of the big sticking points. I need to get him to be able to get himself to sleep, he just wants me to cuddle him to sleep.

I may aim for in bed for 8pm, I just struggle to maintain the routine and end up letting him play, go on the trampoline and just generally faf around.

[florentina1]

I find that gradually turning the light low helps with our GKs. Gradually quieting the house with soft music also helps.

[jinglymum]

A little bit of success tonight, few tears but asleep by 8:30 ???? I realise this maybe a false sense of security and may not continue