Sleepy-time strategies from other parents

Posted in Sleep Issues
by Lorain County Moms

Disney FamilyFun magazine

We asked readers how they help their kids stay in bed after lights out, and here are some suggestions we got.

Craft a compromise

We made a deal with our 6-year-old son, Tate. If he lies quietly in bed for 15 minutes, we’ll come back in and check on him. If he’s still awake at that point, he can get up for a little while longer, usually 20 minutes or so. Not only is he willing to lie in bed for the entire time, he’s almost never awake when we check back. — Dawn McCormick Plano, Texas

Give them a pass

When our daughter, Caylin, was younger, we made her a Get Out of Bed Free card, which we laminated and placed on her nightstand. Caylin was allowed to use the card once a week — but only once. She always thought carefully about using the card! — Angela McNaul Palmyra, Va.

Award rewards

Every night, I check in on my 8-year-old twins an hour after tuck-in. Whoever’s asleep earns a point next to his or her name on a bedtime chart I made. At the end of the week, anyone who’s earned at least three points gets to stay up an hour past bedtime on Friday and Saturday. Now the kids actually look forward to bedtime. — Renee Cannon Atlanta, GA