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Summer brings a whole host of benefits, including warmer temperatures, lighter nights and outdoor activities. However, lighter nights can wreak havoc on your child’s bedtime routine, especially when they’re going to sleep when it’s still light outside.
If you’re faced with questions like, “Mummy, why do I have to go to sleep when it’s still daylight?” or “Sally gets to go to bed at 8, why do I have to go to bed at 7?” it can be incredibly frustrating. Trying to explain how the clocks go back and forth might be a step too far, but there are some simple things you can do to help improve this bedtime routine.
Ways to Get Your Child Sleep While it’s Still Light Outside
Stick to the Routine
As hard as it may be, and as tempted as you are to let them stay up a little bit longer, make sure you stick to your existing routine. This may be difficult at first, but your child’s body clock will soon become accustomed to this routine, and it will get much easier over time – I promise.
Read a Book Before Bedtime
Your child may like to watch their favourite TV show before they go to sleep or play their favourite game on the iPad, but it’s a good idea to have some screen-free time before they head to bed. Studies have shown that kids’ bedtime routines can be disturbed by electric devices, as the light they emit promotes wakefulness. So, try to create a dark space and read to them using a small table lamp as your light.
Create a Dark Space
Try to create the impression of nighttime by making the house (or your child’s room, at least) as dark as possible. Blackout blinds from companies like Swift Direct Blinds Ltd are ideal and will help to create a dark, sleepy space, even if the sun’s still shining outside. This should help your child drift off to sleep with ease, and you might benefit from them too!
Use Essential Oils
Another natural way of creating restfulness is to use essential oils in your child’s bedroom. Lavender is ideal for this, and when they’re sprayed in the room, it can help your child to drift off into the land of nod. You might also like to try spraying magic spray around if your child has any worries – e.g. spray to get rid of bad dreams or monsters. Going through this routine may also help them to go to sleep relaxed.
