I don’t usually jump on blog contests when I see them but this one really spoke to me because I’ve been down the road and back a few times!

“Drama” is not just a word in the dictionary in our house–it’s a lifestyle! With two girls ages 6 and 8, we live drama from the time we get up until the time we go to bed. But there are ways to help with the bedtime issues.

First, we try to stick to the same bedtimes every night. It’s tempting to let the kids stay up too late on the weekends (in hope that they will sleep in the next morning). But it does more harm than good. Stay on the schedule!

Second, use books in an age appropriate way. I know that personally reading helps me wind down before bed, so I figured it would help my kids, too. Both girls spend 15-30 minutes now in their own beds reading a book of their choice before bed. It does wonders!

Third, set expectations. When our older daughter was little and struggling with the “I need a drink, now I need to go potty, I forgot to brush my teeth, etc” we made a chart out of posterboard on the wall. We glued on pictures of all of the things that she needed to do each night. We pointed out each thing on the chart as she did it and that was it for the night. We used pictures of a toilet, a toothbrush, a mom and child hugging…you get my drift.

Fourth, try a “pass.” With our other daughter we gave her a “hall pass” of sorts every night before she went to bed. She could use it ONE time after she was in bed for whatever she needed (last minute hug, one more drink, etc). Once she used the pass, she had to stay in bed. It made her feel like she had some control over the situation.

Fifth, be the adult. We learned the hard way by giving in to our first daughter and she thought she didn’t have to say in her room if she didn’t want to. With the second daughter, we made it clear from the very beginning that we were in charge and staying in bed was non-negotiable. Except for the “last minute” issues, we never had a problem of getting her into her own bed.

I’m sure my tips won’t solve every problem but they might at least solve a couple of your problems or help you come up with some yourself. Thanks to St. Eve Kids for prompting me on this topic! Their www.DramaU.net site is a cute reminder that we all struggle with bedtime issues at one time or another.