Bedtimes

[helsbels03]

Any tips to make bedtime less stressful?
Routine is - quiet activity after dinner, bath/shower,then dh puts ds (20mths) to bed,i read/telly with dd1 (6)and dd2 (4) then bed-they share a room
Problem is, girls won't get in the bath / won't get out of the bath without a huge fuss. Then getting into bed one or both strop again- latest argument is about who I kiss goodnight to first! So by the time they are in bed, laid down and going to sleep everyone is at breaking point and I have ended up shouting etc. once settled they do stay in bed and are usually asleep within 15 mins. Bedtime is between 6.30-7.30 depending on how tired everyone is.

All tips greatly received

Stick the older one in the shower and the younger in the bath. That's what I do...mine are 8 and 4....then we have a book...or three! It's normal..for them to complain, make a fuss...if they're sleeping that well then you don't have a lot to worry about really!

You could try bathing them earlier and then down for a relax.

Do you have any kind of reward system in place? Presumably your 6yo gets pocket money? Make it contingent on going to bed without a fuss. Your 4yo is probably too young for pocket money yet but we operate a marbles-in-the-jar system with DD (3.5). She gets marbles for a variety of things, and when the jar's full she gets a small treat (some new crayons, a book, etc). Marbles also get docked for things she knows are verboten (eg coming back downstairs after supper-teeth-pyjamas when she's supposed to be playing in her room before bed).

Tried having a bath early then down for a relax before bed. Worked much better thank you. Will think about the pocket money idea as my 4 yr old really loves money and has a good idea about its value( maths whizz) my 6yr old isn't that fussed (and doesn't understand it) so might help her at school too

Oh good! I can be good sometimes...my two like it and I do it when I'm organised enough. I think that right after a bath, their temperature is higher...then they need to cool down..as they cool, they get sleepy. I read that somewhere.