Almost everyone leads hectic lifestyles these days. There is work, school, sports practice and so much more that keep everyone on the go. Often during the week, schedules can run fairly smoothly while school is in session. If you have younger children, they also benefit from a regular sleep schedule.

It is recommended that children up to age 5 get at least 10 hours of sleep every night. Children are highly active and they expend a lot of energy throughout the day. They are also still growing which also uses energy. Sleep is vitally important for children and most don’t get enough of it. Start establishing a bedtime routine early if you can.

Dinner should be served at approximately the same time every night because this is where the “pre” bedtime routine starts. After dinner children can play quietly or watch television if that is what you allow. Roughhousing is not encouraged after dinner time because the children get overly excited and it is more difficult for them to fall asleep.

Bath time is next. Warm baths relax children just as they do adults. It is fine if they play with bath toys. After their baths it should be time for a small snack. Normally a piece of fruit and some milk do nicely. After they have finished their snacks have the children brush their teeth and take care of other bathroom needs. Then, you could read to them or have them read by themselves if they are old enough. This should definitely be quiet time. Reading time should be a set amount of time, say 20 or 30 minutes. Then it is time for lights out.

It takes a few nights to implement a bedtime schedule but it can be done. No matter how hectic their days are, dinner should set the tone for them that it is time to start to wind down. Be consistent with your schedule and soon you will have no problem at all getting the children to bed at a certain time.