Are your kids avoiding bedtime by asking for water, another story, or getting out of bed to use the bathroom for the tenth time? If this is a nightly routine some changes need to be made.

Thomas W. Phelan, Ph.D. suggests you set a bedtime hour for your kids and stick to it. The hour will vary depending on your child's age. If bedtime is 8:30, Dr. Phelan recommends you set a timer at 8:00 allowing your child 30 minutes to get ready for bed. During that 30 minutes they should put on their pajamas, brush their teeth, take a shower or bath, get a drink of water, use the bathroom and do whatever else is required. Children between ages two and four will need your help in getting ready for bed. The older children should do everything on their own and then report to you. Always praise your child when bedtime tasks are successfully completed.

The bedtime hour will vary depending on whether it is a school night, a weekend, or whether it is during the school year vs. summer vacation. Exceptions to the rule should be rare. There should not be nightly negotiations. If you start breaking rules, the rules will soon become meaningless. If all bedtime tasks are completed before the 30 minutes, reward your child by reading their favorite book, or by discussing a Bingzy Builder-Upper. End the day by helping to build your child's self-esteem.

Having a special time with mom or dad is relaxing and will help to put your child in a mood for a good night's sleep.