When you have children, it really is a full time job, so anything that can make things run smoother and more efficiently has to be welcomed. This seems such a simple thing, that you can actually forget it, but actually this really works, particularly if you introduce it from a very early age.
Regulate bedtimes from an early age, right up to the age of 16 which should be, as a guideline, 10.00pm. 15 Minutes extra should be given for every birthday reached. For example at age 4, your child’s bedtime should be 7.00 pm, or at 13, it will have progressed to 9.15pm. Start this as soon as he goes to school, when he is 4 or 5 years old. By doing this from such an early age and sticking to it rigorously, bedtimes and going to bed will never become a controversial issue. It is considered non-negotiable as it has always been like that throughout your child’s life, so as a result he will comply without question.
Once you have established this routine in your child’s life, introducing a system of giving him 15 minutes warning before bedtime will make your life even easier. This pre-warns him and will allow him to finish the game he is playing, or the TV program he is watching and be ready to go to bed on time. This way, he will not argue with you once his bedtime has arrived.
Of course, another benefit for you and your partner, is that you will always know that you can relax and have some quality time together every night, at a certain time in the evening, once your child has gone to bed.
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