Getting Kids Into Good Bedtime Routines: Tips & Advice for Parents

Having trouble with your kids around bedtime?  Here are some tips for parents that will help bedtime go more smoothly.

Tips and tricks for getting your child to stay in bed after lights out

A) Make your child a ‘get out of bed free’ card which they can use once a week.  Laminate it and place it on their nightstand.  It will help your child keep in bed on most nights, and they will always think carefully before using the card.

B) Set up a point system with awards. Check on them 30 to 45 minutes after bedtime.  Whoever is asleep earns a sticker.  When they accumulate enough stickers, set aside an award for them, such as getting to stay up an hour or so past bedtime on a weekend night.

School Tips: Create a night-before station

For many parents, the task of getting kids ready in the morning and out the door for school can be a major hassle.  One simple way to alleviate some of the stress is to create a station near the door where you organize everything needed the night before.  Simple things like backpacks, lunch boxes, permission slips, and anything else your kids will need for school the next day.

A Tip for Better Picture Taking With Kids  

When taking pictures, have your children say a word that starts with M, like milkshake or monkey, rather than cheese.  It makes for a better smile, according to an experience family photographer.