Tips and Tricks To Get Kids To Sleep In The Summer

Getting kids in bed at night and ensuring they get enough sleep is hard enough during the wintertime. However, when the time changes and the days get longer, it can become a downright chore to get them snug in their beds and sleeping the night away.

Everyone knows summer brings warmer weather and longer days. The kids don’t want to go to bed when the sun is still out. Luckily, there are a few simple tips and tricks that can help you get your kids to bed during the summer months, even on the longest day of the year.

 

Wear Them Out

The days are longer, so why not take the kids back outside after dinner and let them run off some of their excess energy? Or better yet, put on one of your plus size babydoll tops, a pair of shorts, and some walking shoes, and take them on a nightly stroll through your neighborhood. Whether you’re strolling through the local park or playing tag or hide-and-seek in the backyard, by bedtime your kids should be worn out and ready for a story and lights out without a fight.

Control Their Sleep Environment

You’re never going to get the kids to bed if they have their electronics, toys, and other distractions in the room with them to keep them awake. A bedroom needs to be dark and have a cool temperature for sleeping. Try to keep the bedroom at the same temperature and darkness all year round. You can do this with air conditioners, fans, and drapes that keep out the light, especially in the summer when it gets dark so late. Creating a calming sleep environment is one of the best ways to ensure that your little ones still get the appropriate amount of sleep they need.

Stick to a Strict Bedtime Routine

Perhaps the best way to get your children to bed on time in the summer months is to stick to a strict bedtime routine all year round. While they may fight it, most children actually prefer a routine and do better when they are on a schedule. A helpful schedule is the following: bath time, put on pajamas, brush teeth, read together, express some gratitude, and say goodnight with a warm hug. Try to keep to this consistent schedule all year long and not move away from it just because the summer has arrived.

Relax Before Bedtime

While it’s helpful to wear your children out before bedtime, it’s important to relax for about 30 minutes before bed as well. Whether that is done by reading a book, playing quietly in their room, or snuggling with you on the couch, winding-down time is key to a good night’s sleep. If your child is still taking a long time falling asleep at night, you might need to extend their time for relaxing by five to 10 minutes.

Make Sure Your Child Feels Safe At Night

Whether it’s summer, spring, winter, or fall, children are not going to sleep well or go to sleep easily if they are frightened. Talk to your children and see what they are worried about at night. It’s also a good idea to avoid scary movies, videos, or games at night. Some children who have nighttime fears do better if they have a nightlight in their room. The one thing you don’t want to do is dismiss your child’s fears as silly. Talking about it will help them feel better so they can sleep more soundly.

These are just a few of the best tips out there to help you get your child to bed during the dog days of summer. The time change has some positives, but children still need the required amount of sleep to be happy, healthy, and able to enjoy the long summer days ahead of them.

What steps do you take to help your kids sleep well during summer nights?