does any1 know good settling routines for a 5 yr old???

Mary - posted on 11/02/2009

Do not put your child together by turning on the tv! Brain studies have shown that the light emitted from the tv will actually prevent them from deep sleep. Use stories and routines. One of my daughters loved the book Goodnight Moon and we used it as a basis of saying goodnight and reviewing the day with her. White type noise such as a fan or humidifier might help. There are night lights in bedrooms and the hall in my house. A favorite stuffed animal and blanket can also offer comfort.

Lisa - posted on 10/31/2009

thanks sounds like a great idea!!!!

Kelly - posted on 10/31/2009

I have a 7 year old and her routine basically consists of, no video games past 6, dinner, bath time between 7 and 8 and bed time at 8:30, we will usually read a book but I expect her in her room at 8:30 at least, and I tell her she has to stay quiet. I have even put on a soft bedtime cd for her.

Sandee - posted on 10/31/2009

Snack, bath and 2 stories! It's like magic!
We moved when our son was the same age. I asked an older friend who gave me the same advice. Start one hour before bedtime. Give a wholesome snack, like peanut butter on apple slices with a small glass of milk. Then, pop him into a warm bath to play and get all clean and refreshed. Then, into the jammies and let him choose two of his favorite books. We moved several times when our three children were small -- and this formula never failed me! It was a joyful time for all of us and made bedtime a delight, rather than a battle!

Barbara - posted on 10/31/2009

When we put our small children to sleep at night, no matter where we were, and we did move into a new house, new state when they were 5 and 7- we read them a story, prayed with them, and for them and reminded them to pray for their friends. Some children are bothered by a new room. Saying good night to their new surroundings, or special toys, might help. Getting them used to a new room doesn't work unless they put their things away in the places they want them to go.

Denise - posted on 10/31/2009

Try having him help arrange his room and put things on/in his bed that will make him feel safe and comfortable or make it similar to his room in your previous home so that he feels like it's familiar and a choice that he made versus something that is out of his control. Good luck Lisa! Give him lots of love and reassurance.

Janet - posted on 10/31/2009

Just make sure he has things that he is farmilar with and assure him that this is his new room,he may not adapt to change very well,keep his rountine through the day the same.

Wendy - posted on 10/31/2009

watch your sons sugar in take before bed time! is he afraid to be alone? get a night light or keep the hall light on until he falls asleep. make some down time to where you have dinner a lil bit earlier give him a bath....if you have lavevdar body wash it is used to help relax kids. het him lotioned up and dressed then turn on a relaxing disney movie. warm milk helps, and im not telling you to drug your son but there is a herbal pill called melatonin and all it does is helps calm and relax them to help them fall asleep easier. try this to see if any of it helps!