Parenting Tips

Bedtime Tips

Getting kids to go to bed can sometimes be an exhausting task. Here are some tips to get your child and yourself to bed a little easier.

Make bedtime a routine. If your child gets out of bed several times for drinks, snack or potty time, put those activities in the routine before bedtime, along with brushing teeth, washing face and hands, and getting on pajamas.

You should make bedtime the same time every night. Give your child reminders like, “Bedtime is in 15 minutes.” You may want to do this if they are playing with toys because this gives them the opportunity to clean up their mess and also lets them know bedtime is coming. Also, keep activities close to bedtime calm and quiet. This way you do not have to fight to get them settled down plus get into the routine.

Once the teeth are brushed and jammies are on and they are snuggled in their bed, read them a story, or if they can read, let them read you a story. Night lights are a great comfort for the child who is afraid of the dark. Hugs and kisses end the routine and out the door you go.

If your child still gets up, just stick to the routine: put him or her back to bed, then hugs, kisses and out the door. Change does not happen overnight, but after awhile your child will get into the routine and sleep will come much easier for you both.

Good night and sweet dreams.

Fun in the Sun

Summer is just around the corner, and that means long days in the hot sun. Studies are showing that sunburns and prolonged exposure to the sun in childhood increases the risk of developing skin cancer later in life.

Here are a few tips to help keep your little ones safe and healthy.

Apply sunscreen at least half an hour before going into sun and reapply every two hours even if it is cloudy.
Avoid the hours between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., when the sun’s rays are the strongest.
Dress your children in protective clothes - they are hard to find but there are clothes for children that block UV rays. If you cannot find ones that state this, take the color and thickness of material into consideration. The darker and thicker the material the less likely that the rays will get through. If you can see through the material then rays can get through.
Children should wear hats and sunglasses to protect their eyes when in the sun.
Always drink plenty of water while out in the sun.

Be safe and have a great summer.