How can I get my child to go to bed easily?

As every parent knows, fights over bedtime can be one of the biggest power struggles you will have with your child, whether they are five or fifteen. Many kids resent having to go to bed at night. Some are afraid that they will miss something exciting, while others are afraid of the dark or frightened to go to sleep. Kids and teenagers may also try to push their bedtime to exercise control over their parents.

No matter why children dislike going to bed, a bedtime is a vital component of a child’s day. Children need a certain amount of sleep, and they will not get the required number of hours if they go to bed whenever they please.

In the Jewish Community

Jewish children need just as much sleep as any other child, and they are just as likely to resent their bedtimes. However, parents in the Jewish community have additional ways to make bedtime easier. Traditionally, Jews say the prayer of Shema before they go to sleep. Parents who take the time to recite Shema together with their children make them feel safe and loved. Children enjoy a parent’s undivided attention and will probably not resist bedtime if they have that to look forward to.

Use the following links to learn how to put your child to bed easily. Find out how to establish a bedtime routine and what to do if your child refuses to stay in bed.

Frequently Asked Links

At what time should I put my child to bed?

How can I get my child to go to bed without a fuss?

How can I get my teenager to go to bed?

How can I get my young kids and teens to go to bed?

Where can I find tips for getting young children to go to bed?

How can I establish a bedtime routine? more

Does my child have a good bedtime routine?

Where can I find bedtime stories for kids?

Why do some children have trouble staying in bed?

What should I do if my child will not stay in bed?

How do I help my child develop good sleep habits?

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Bedwetting is an issue that millions of families face every night. Most of the time it is not a sign of any deeper medical or emotional issues and kids eventually grow out of it.

Bedwetting (Nocturnal Enuresis)
Bedwetting can be embarrassing and upsetting for teens, but there are effective ways to correct the problem and scientists are constantly developing new treatments.

Sleep and Newborns
"Does your baby sleep through the night?" is one of the questions new parents hear the most. Usually, the answer is "No."

Nightmares
Nightmares may be upsetting, but they are not "real" and cannot harm you. And if you have one, you are in good company: almost everyone gets them once in awhile - adults, as well as kids. Read our article on nightmares to find out more.

Apnea
Everyone has brief pauses in breathing called apnea - even your child. Usually these brief stops in breathing are completely normal. Sometimes, though, apnea or other sleep-related problems can be a cause for concern.

Resources

American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM)
http://www.aasmnet.org
AASM strives to increase awareness of sleep disorders in public and professional communities.

American Sleep Apnea Association (ASAA)
http://www.sleepapnea.org
The ASAA is dedicated to reducing injury, disability, and death from sleep apnea and to enhancing the well-being of those affected by this common disorder.

American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP)
http://www.aap.org
The AAP is committed to the health and well-being of infants, adolescents, and young adults. The website offers news articles and tips on health for families.

National Sleep Foundation (NSF)
http://www.sleepfoundation.org
NSF is an independent nonprofit organization dedicated to improving public health and safety by achieving understanding of sleep and sleep disorders, and by supporting education, sleep-related research, and advocacy.