IT’S the most wonderful time of the year – especially for children.
They’ve finished school and excitement is rife in anticipation of the big day.
GettyIt might be a struggle to get your kids to sleep over the festive season. One parenting expert has revealed her top tips to make sure they get off to the land of nod at a reasonable time[/caption]
For most families, it’s a time of fun and laughter, with kids staying up a little later than usual to enjoy the festive fun.
As special as the lead up to Christmas and Christmas Eve is, watching the little ones get excited for Santa’s arrival, most parents have a tricky time getting their adrenaline-filled children to the land of nod at bedtime.
Speaking to The Sun, one parenting expert has revealed how you can ensure a calm stress-free bedtime over the Christmas period.
Sophie Pickles from Munchkin said her six fool proof methods will leave plenty of time for mums and dads to put their feet up with a glass of sherry and to finish off the wrapping.
1. Stick to your usual routine
Sophie said it’s tempting for Christmas Eve to be the one time where you allow your children to stay up later and enjoy ‘the night before’.
In fact, it’s more important than ever to stick to your usual routine if you want a quiet(ish) night and a calm Christmas Day, she said.
Sophie advised: “Stick to your usual pre-bedtime routine, whether it’s a story or a warm bubble bath, before popping on their night light.
“The same goes for nap times on Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day too – stick to their usual timings for much happier children and grown ups.
“Keeping toddlers or young children awake can cause over-tiredness which will lead to a more fraught bedtime for all involved.”
2. Don’t threaten a no-show
Threatening that the big man won’t come might seem like a good idea at the time but it can often create chaos and unnecessary upset, the parenting expert said.
Sophie said that ultimately, it’s not something that you can really follow through on – or would want to – if your child doesn’t do as you ask.
“If your little one is finding the day to be a challenge, remember that this is a time of huge upheaval for them and they may be feeling displaced and a little uneasy underneath all that hyperactive excitement.
“Try to stay calm and confident, and acknowledge your child’s feelings instead.”
She added that you could use the below phrases to help.
“It’s so exciting that Santa is coming tomorrow”. “I understand. It’s ok to be excited but it’s not ok to (throw toys, push your brother etc).”“Let’s go outside to run around for a while instead.”
3. Keep the stockings out of the bedroom
We all know how important an uninterrupted night of sleep is, especially with the early wake up on Christmas Day.
Keeping stockings out of the bedroom will ensure that children are left to a peaceful slumber and won’t be disturbed by rustling as you try to creep in quietly, Sophie said.
“What’s more, the thought of a stranger coming into their bedroom in the middle of the night might actually be a little frightening for younger children.
“You can explain to your child that stockings will be filled downstairs and any presents will be left in the living room, or perhaps on the landing.
“Knowing that Father Christmas won’t be coming into their personal environment will allow them to feel safe and secure – all conducive to a good night’s sleep,” she added.
4. Tailor your Christmas Eve box
Many parents are now giving Christmas Eve boxes to their children to start the festivities off with a bang.
To ensure a calm and relaxed Christmas Eve afternoon, consider the contents of these boxes carefully, making sure that they are tailored around creating a peaceful but exciting atmosphere, Sophie advised.
“If you want to include chocolate and sweet treats, consider opening the Christmas Eve box together in the morning, rather than saving it for just before bedtime.
“To create the ultimate calming box, think cosy pyjamas, festive slippers and a festive story that you can snuggle up and share together by the light of the Christmas tree,” she added.
5. Get fresh air
Sophie said that wrapping up warm and getting the children outside for a wintery walk and some fresh air should be high on any parent’s list for Christmas Eve.
“Exploring nature provides endless opportunities for creative learning, plus helping youngsters to burn off some physical energy throughout the day can really work wonders when it comes to bedtime,” she added.
6. Have a plan
It’s worth thinking about your family activities and when to do them, the guru said.
“Keep any high octane escapades for earlier in the day and settle into a calm atmosphere as afternoon hits.
“Christmas films are often on the agenda too, so plan these in for the afternoon and save the evening for enjoying relaxing activities like reading Christmas books, building puzzles, or doing some mindful colouring,” Sophie added.