My 6 year old is what some would say, your usual "baby of the family", she has 3 older sisters (and us) who tend to cater to her. I am concerned about getting her back on the "go to bed early" "WITHOUT THE TV" on, schedule! She went to Pre-K and Kindergarten but we didn't really enforce the "bedtime" ritual like we should have. First grade is a different environment and they expect so much more from them so I would like to get her used to a real bed time without her tv on until she falls asleep. I know she will have a difficult time because she has always been allowed to watch a movie before bed. Any suggestions, that would not make me feel like a mean mommy, would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!
Try getting her up early even if she goes to bed late, and keep her up till bed time that should help. Trust me i had to do it for my oldest two children they are in the 3rd grade and 1st grade this year.Its easier this way might be hard on you and they will be tired by the time its time for night night time.
K. W momma of 4
I dont see a need to remove the movie ritual all together - especially if she can fall asleep easily. I would maybe make a compromise with her that says she can go to bed 1/2 hour earlier and watch part of the movie each night. If you start to have problems with her complaining explain to her that it is a privilege to watch TV while trying to fall asleep and as easily as it is allowed it can be removed.
Good luck
The first thing you need to do is take the TV out of her room. Try books on tape or soft music. The story or soft music will let her know that its time to settle down and have a restful night of sleep. The bedroom should be only for sleeping, TV viewing should be a time when the family watches together, so you the parent can explain to your child what is going on, like someone stealing or fighting. Start this ASAP before school starts, and your child will be more rested and a happier child. Lack of sleep is a big problem for adults and children.I'm also a SAHM of 4 and I work from home.
Hello T. my name is K. i live in Florida i have three children ower oldest daughter is 14 and ower twins girl and boy are 8.What we did was have dinner around 5pm get shower's done have them get there room picked up and then we told them from 7pm to 8pm you lay down and watch tv then it's bed time light's out and tv No But's about it.We did have some issues with it for awhile but you have to keep inforcing it.If that didnt work we told them then there wouldnt be any tv for that hour striaght to bed then.You have the control your the mother and Dont give in.I really hope this work's it might not befor you but it worked for us. K. July 27,2007
My 19 month old son listens to music for bedtime.
So hears my thought, for a while let her watch tv for so many minutes and then turn on music.
It might be rough for a while but once you find music she likes you should be able to turn on the music for her to sleep to.
This is also a good time to read her stories and see if she will fall asleep that way too. This creates a bonding time for the two of you and will help her learn to read.
Good luck
We too have fallen into the summer-time habit of watching tv at bedtime. I think it's those late sunsets that make it more difficult for the kids to go to sleep at a decent hour. What we've just started to do in preparation for the school year is, the boys (2 & 4) go into their bedroom for some quiet time with the tv on at 7pm. Then at 8pm it's lights out and I put on a cd of fairy tales. They used to listen to music to go to bed when they were younger--and before we started the bad tv habit--but I think they are more interested in hearing stories while going to sleep now. I used to listen to fairy tales on tape going to sleep when I was a little kid, and I remember loving it. Good luck!
How about watching *part* of the movie by programming the TV's sleep timer for a shorter period of time?
Another thought that comes to mind: stories on audiotape or CD. We have some by Lori Lite, which are more like guided imagery or meditations for kids - and they work like a charm. Or, you and she could record some of her favorites and she could listen to them. I also remember seeing some kind of dvd at BBB (probably at lots of places) - it's one of those displays like the one with the CD selections where you can press a button to sample the CD. They had wordless videos with a maybe a little music and some kind of visual. Some were targeted for relaxation (aha!).
My final thought is that changing the movie might not be important. If she's getting enough and good enough sleep, then it's not broken and doesn't need fixing.
I have 2 out of 3 of our children living with us. My 6 year old girl & 12 year old girl. My girls during school have to have their showers by 8:00PM & then they watch TV till 9:00PM when we turn them off. My 6 year old wakes up better then my 12 year old. I make them go to bed at the same time because of this. Most of the time my 12 year old must go to bed by 8:30 because she is a grump in the morning. My younger one doesn't require as much sleep as the older one does. Set a bedtime, give her a bath & olny give her 30 min. to 1 hour to watch TV & wind down before her scheduled bedtime. We have approx. 3 weeks before school begans. Do a test run & see how it goes. You can always make changes if you need to.
