How do I get my child to go to bed at the same time every night?

Consistency is the number one thing that helps your child to get used to an established bedtime routine. If you are constantly changing your mind or giving in to the “just a few minutes” ploy, your child will push the limits as far as you let them. You are the one who has to lay the ground rules and follow through with them. Start the routine when they are babies and set up a bedtime plan. It may involve a story, a song or a prayer. There could be a special pillow, blanket or stuffed animal they will associated with rest time or secure time or it could be any combination of these. Don’t let your child use those too though to manipulate the situation, like asking for four stories. To give them a little control in the matter, let them choose the books or stories as they get older. If you are starting this when they are older you may have more of a battle and be tempted to give in to their whining and fussing, but don’t unless it is something like an illness that is making them complain and fuss. If they are older, they may try to sneak out of the room. Get yourself a good book and sit down in front of their door. When they try to sneak out they will have to go right back in. Eventually they will give up and you will have them trained. They won’t know if you are sitting outside that door or not. Give them one or two warnings and then ignore the fussing. If they aren’t getting a reaction, they will know their attempts at getting their way won’t work. You need to be consistent, set firm rules and stick with them so they know you mean business. Get some rest! Mama Nono