Bedtime Tips from writer and parenting expert Judsen Culbreth

Many parents can relate to the “bedtime battle.”  In fact, according to a recent survey by GoodNites^® Disposable Underpants, two-thirds of parents say it’s harder to get children to bed at night than it is to get them up in the morning.

  Here are three tips for making nights (and mornings) easier on everyone:

• Be Ready with a Routine.

• Having a consistent bedtime routine in place will help program your child for sleep. Involve your child in the decision-making process when it comes to choosing the steps – which might include activities such as brushing teeth, picking out school clothes and reading a bedtime story – and he or she will be more interested in cooperating.

• It doesn’t matter what steps are involved in the routine, but completing the routine in the same order each night is important.

• Deal with Distractions.

There are many distractions that can get in the way of a good night’s sleep.  Here are two common occurrences and helpful tips:

• Fear of the Dark:

• Keep night lights on throughout the house, including the bathroom.

• Before bed, avoid movies or video games that can cause restlessness or bad dreams.

• Ensure your child gets enough sleep, since overtiredness can lead to nightmares. 

• If your child is afraid of monsters under the bed or in the closet, develop a quick “Monster Spray” (which is simply water in a small plastic spray bottle that he or she can decorate).  Your child will feel empowered as he or she sprays the room before bed each night.

• Bedwetting: Bedwetting is NOT something that starts because your child is lazy.  In fact, no child can control bedwetting. You should check with your child’s physician to rule out any illnesses or physical reasons, but the most common causes of bedwetting are heavy sleeping, bladder development delays or heredity. 

There are some easy things you can do at home with your child to try and avoid nighttime accidents:

·         Limit Fluids – Limiting fluids two hours before bed and encouraging a last minute trip to the bathroom are simple steps you can take each night.

·         Make your Child Feel Comfortable – GoodNites® Underpants are a great coping solution for parents and kids, and a wonderful way to ensure a more productive morning for the whole family. GoodNites® Underpants help keep sheets and pajamas dry, and they offer discreet protection for kids. Waking up dry help kids feel comfortable and confident and ready to start their school day.

• Seek out Support.

• Remember, you are not alone!  Five to seven millions kids wet the bed.

• If you have questions about bedwetting, check out www.GoodNites.com.  It’s a confidential and comprehensive site about bedwetting.

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About Judsen Culbreth
Mother, child care expert and writer Judsen Culbreth devotes her time to leading workshops on parenting issues, women’s interests and balancing work and family life.  Judsen has championed many family-related social and political issues and is an award-winning editor and noted public speaker.  She is a former editor-in-chief at Working Mother and Parent&Child magazines, and also served as executive editor for Redbook and as the “Today” show’s first-ever Work/Family Contributing Editor.  Her mission is to serve as a spokesperson, guide and source of support to women and families.   Learn more about Judsen online at http://www.judsenculbreth.com.