For parents with young children, getting them into bed every night can be a challenge. After dinner, the house becomes a flurry of activity and kids may sometimes resist brushing their teeth and going to sleep even though their little bodies are exhausted from a busy day. Our SmileTown North Delta dentists share some advice on what you can do.
If you dread the nightly battles of getting your kids settled down, washed up and into bed, you're not alone. Many little ones resist brushing their teeth and going to sleep, even though they need those hours of rest and rejuvenation. That said, implementing a steady routine can change this entirely, taking your kid's bedtime from a necessary chore to a relaxing opportunity to bond that you can both enjoy. By following a predictable nighttime routine, your child can learn to expect what comes next.
Nighttime Routines That Work
Here are 4 steps you can take to create a calming routine and help the night run smoothly.
Bath
Bathtime often becomes contentious between kids and parents, but it doesn't have to be this way. Turn on some quiet music, pour some of your child's favourite bubbles into the water and trade stories with your child about your day while they get clean.
Brush
Make time to thoroughly brush and floss your child's teeth (or help them do so). This essential aspect of your little one's nighttime oral hygiene routine will help their smile stay bright - and keep cavities and other dental issues at bay.
Book
Here’s another bonding opportunity. Take time to relax with your child and read for 10-15 minutes before lights out. You might even consider sharing a book about oral health geared to their age, so they can learn how healthy smiles grow.
Bed
Make sure your child gets to bed at a regular, consistent time every night. This will help their body know it’s time to go to sleep.