We all want what we can’t have. In Wales, that means warm weather. When it finally arrives, it’s the best six and a half days of the year. Maybe a full week if we’re lucky. The only problem is that the much loved and short-lived BBQ weather is accompanied by lighter nights – which wouldn’t be a problem at all, if it weren’t for little ones complaining that it isn’t bed time yet because it’s still light outside.
If, like me, you’re fighting an uphill battle at bed time, you may find the following tips super useful on how to wind down and settle your little one in for a snooze.
Dimmer Switches
Dimmer switches are the future of bed times. Begin by closing all other bedroom and bathroom doors to create a slightly darkened upstairs vibe. Pull the bedroom curtains closed and put the light on, but only very faintly. See some great ideas on LED dimmer switches from LED Hut. This will hopefully recreate the usual rest-of-the-year bed time level of lighting that with any luck might just begin to convince your little one that it is indeed time to hit the hay.
Blackout Curtains
Sometimes, drawing the curtains isn’t enough. Sure, those superhero style ‘comic book page’ drapes really pull the room together (if you’ll excuse the pun), but they probably let in so much light that they’re effectively no use whatsoever. Same goes for most curtains of any design that aren’t blackout curtains. Be careful to avoid ‘thermal’ curtains. Whilst these are great for retaining heat, and even though they feel as heavy duty as blackouts, only the real deal is guaranteed to darken the room.
Later Meal Times
Kids love to play. So, let them. Whether it’s enjoying the evening air on the garden swing set or whether tonight they prefer to be sat with this year’s must have action figure or doll, the chances are that they won’t know if you wait an additional 30 minutes before serving up the evening meal. This is a double-barrelled solution to help create sleepy kids, because not only will the extra play time serve as a means of tiring them out, but a good meal sitting on the stomach near to bed time is a quick and easy way to naturally slow the energy levels and induce calmness.
Bedtime Movie
When all else fails, there’s always the bedtime movie. Mix the ‘threat’ of going up the stairs to the land of Nod with the treat of watching a favourite movie. Either commandeer the front room TV for half an hour or set up a tv at the end of your little one’s bed. All kids have favourite films, and the repetition of repeated viewings is calming. Get settled in blankets and pillows and lower the volume. Combine with the above tips and eyelids will soon begin to fall – but be warned, you may get so into the movie yourself that you begin to get into the sequels (which is fine, but when you’re more excited than your child about a trip to the cinema to catch the latest must-see animation about a fish, don’t blame me!)
*This is a collaborative post*