Bedtime Routine Tips

by: Trisha Novotny
24/7 MOMS

Bedtime can become a positive part of the day with simple Bedtime routines:

Time For Bed - School-aged children should get 9 to 12 hours of sleep each night, so determine what time your children will go to bed each night and begin being consistent so they are well rested each morning.

Nightly Bed Time Routines - Having a routine helps to ease your children into bed each night. Begin the routine about 30 minutes prior to the established bed time. The routine might include: Changing into PJ's, having a bedtime snack, a warm bath, brushing their teeth, saying good night to other family members and in our house the dog, reading a story together with mom and/or dad, saying bedtime prayers, getting the right blanket, stuffed toy and pillow that your child needs to sleep with.

Take a few minutes to talk to your kids as they wind down and get ready for bed asking them about their day, or discuss the story you have read together, create a short conversation it could include remember when stories, your life as a child stories, create a made up story you tell your children each night adding new parts and characters to it, or ask what your children what they are thankful for today.

Limit brain stimulation by turning all video games and TV prior to bedtime to begin shutting their brains down for the night.

Peaceful Sleeping - Create an environment that your children will have a restful and peaceful night of sleep. No loud music or televisions playing in adjacent rooms, as your children prepare for Bed time keep things quiet and calm as they unwind.

What is your bedtime routine with your kids?

Creating Happy, Healthy Teeth-Brushers

By: Amy Hannold, 247Moms.com Frugal Living Editor

My children have been pretty successful at brushing their teeth – how did I get them there? Praise, rewards and teamwork, for the most part. Handed down from my parents, here are a few tactics:

1. Have them select the tools. A child’s selection of the toothbrush and paste can inspire kids to maintain healthy brushing habits. Speaking of routine, be sure to model (and practice) brushing teeth after breakfast, lunch and before bedtime. Consistent routine and their choosing of the tools create enthusiasm and participation for learning of this life-long important habit.

2. Make brushing a family activity. Brush with your child. Make it fun with a song, counting the teeth as you go. Invite them to bring a cherished doll or stuffed animal into the bathroom to watch. Have them model brushing to their “friend”. Tell a story that continues with each tooth brushing experience. Include them in the story, and ask them to fill in parts. If your child is younger, tell the same story or sing the same tooth brushing song each time you meet to brush your teeth.

3. Rewards! Create a “Tooth Brushing” chart. Give them a sticker or star for each time they finish brushing their teeth. Here are some online resources for charts and reward programs:

Thomas and Friends Brushing Rewards Chart:
http://www.orajel.com/products/toddler/brush_chart.htm

Free Printable Behavior Charts:
http://www.freeprintablebehaviorcharts.com/oralhygienecharts.htm

Chuck E Cheese Reward Charts:
http://www.chuckecheese.com/promotions/pdf/RewardTeeth.pdf

About.com has links to reward charts, brushing tips and dental fun activities:
http://dentistry.about.com/od/dentalactivitiesandgames/Dental_Activities_Coloring_Pages_Fun_Facts_Crafts_Games_for_Kids.htm

DLTK Online offers free craft ideas, Tooth Brushing Songs, charts, and more:
http://www.dltk-kids.com/crafts/miscellaneous/dental_health_month.htm

American Dental Association website has great printable activity sheets and informational tips for families. Find trivia, coloring sheets, ”How To’s”, Sudoku and brushing certificates:
http://www.ada.org/public/events/ncdhm/index.asp

4. Patience and praise works. Let your child know what they’re doing right. Positively, and cheerfully practice what needs work. Involve grandparents and caregivers in their progress. Encouragement from people other than the parents goes a long way towards reinforcing the skill they are learning.

ABC's Of Reading To And With Your Children

"ABC's of Reading To and With Your Child"
(Author Unknown)

Ask questions while reading together. "What do you think will happen next?"
Buy books as gifts for birthdays, Christmas, Hanukkah, or other holidays.
Chat about what is happening in the book and how it relates to everyday life.
Drop everything and read. Set aside 20 minutes a day during which the whole family reads.
Examine book illustrations in detail. Select books that have large, bright pictures.
Find books that interest your child. Make suggestions, but don't turn reading into work.
Give hints when your child gets stuck on a word.
Have fun. Smile and enjoy the story. Read with a slow, relaxed voice and be expressive.
Invite your child to the bookstore. Take time to lounge in the chairs and browse the books.
Join in your child's reading successes. Celebrate every small step with sincere praise.
Kids love to receive mail. Send your child a magazine subscription in an area that interests him or her.
Learn to read with, and not just to, your child daily. Read aloud, share ideas, and answer questions.
Model reading. Share with your child, whether you're reading for information or for entertainment.
Never force your child to read. If you're both too tired or discouraged to read, take a break.
Offer your child a variety of reading materials, such as books, magazines, cereal boxes, comics, and newspapers.
Predict story elements, draw conclusions, and retell the story with your child.
Quiz your child at the end of a story. Informally, of course!
Reread books to familiarize your child with words and to build self-confidence.
Sing songs, recite poetry, and do finger-plays to help develop language and listening skills.
Try to help your child understand that it's okay to make mistakes.
Understand that reading is developmental and that it takes time and practice to become fluent.
Visit your local library on a regular basis. Sign your child up for his or her own library card.
Welcome wordless picture books into your collections. They generate conversation and allow the nonreader to create his or her own stories.
"Xhibit" patience when your child is selecting books. Your support is empowering.
You are the most important person in helping your child develop a lifelong love of reading.
Zealous readers are the result of supportive and nurturing role models.