Preparing kids for a positive festive season with healthy sleep
Preparing Kids for a New Year with a Positive Sleep Routine
As the holiday excitement to ramp up and a fresh new year approaches, many parents are looking to re-establish or improve their child’s sleep routines. A consistent and positive relationship with sleep is vital for everyone in the family, especially children as they grow and develop. As a mum myself, I understand the importance of wellbeing for both parents and children—and sleep is a cornerstone of that balance.
Here, I will share practical tips to help your child embrace healthy sleep habits and manage holiday excitement while prioritizing rest for the entire family.
The Importance of Prioritising Sleep for Family Wellbeing
Sleep is not just a necessity; it’s a foundation for emotional regulation, focus, and physical health. For children, quality sleep supports cognitive development, better moods, and growth. For parents, a restful night brings much-needed energy and patience for the challenges of the day.
By making sleep a family priority, you’re teaching your child an essential life skill: the value of rest. Creating a positive relationship with sleep starts with leading by example and making bedtime an enjoyable, calming ritual. And the good news is that it is never too late!
Building a Positive Sleep Routine
Here are some tried-and-true strategies to help children aged three and older develop a love for bedtime (these can all be adapted and applied to younger tots too!):
Set a Consistent Schedule:
Children thrive on predictability, so aim for consistent bedtimes and wake times, even on weekends. This helps regulate their internal clocks and promotes better sleep. If you have a festive treat that may interfere with this, don't stress but make sure you plan a calmer/ regular bedtime the following day.
Create a Calming Environment:
A cosy, quiet, and slightly cool bedroom is ideal for good sleep. Dim lighting and soft bedtime music or white noise can signal to your child that it’s time to wind down.
Introduce Relaxing Activities:
Establish a routine that transitions from busy play to calm. Activities like reading a book together, practicing deep breathing, or sharing what you’re grateful for can help your child relax. We love a bedtime meditation or gratitude activity in our house before sleep!
Limit Screen Time Before Bed:
Blue light from screens can interfere with melatonin production, making it harder for children to fall asleep. Create a tech-free wind-down period at least an hour before bedtime. An easy way to do this is to say no screens after bedtime. This should then give you time to have some positive connection before bedtime too.
Empower Your Child:
Give your child some choices within their routine, like which pajamas to wear or which bedtime story to read. This helps them feel involved and more positive about bedtime.
Managing Holiday Excitement While Prioritising Sleep
The holiday season often brings late nights, special events, and boundless excitement, making it harder to stick to routines. Here are some tips to keep sleep on track during this busy time:
Stick to Core Routines: Even with flexible bedtimes, try to maintain familiar pre-sleep rituals like brushing teeth, Storytime, or a calming bath.
Plan for Wind-Down Time: After an exciting day, help your child transition by dimming the lights, speaking softly, and engaging in quiet activities.
Keep Naps Consistent: For younger children, avoid skipping naps. A rested child is less likely to experience bedtime meltdowns.
Manage Expectations: Talk to your child about upcoming activities and how sleep helps them enjoy their adventures even more.
Revolutionising Sleep for Older Children in Bristol and the South West
If bedtime battles or restless nights have become a regular occurrence, you’re not alone. Many families with children aged three and older still face unique challenges as kids grow and develop. That’s why I offer a revolutionary approach to teaching healthy sleep habits to older children (and not just babies) tailored to fit their needs and your family’s lifestyle.
My holistic methods are designed to empower both parents and children, making bedtime a positive and peaceful experience for everyone.
Book Your Free Sleep Support Call
Ready to make 2025 the year of better sleep for your family? Let’s work together to create a routine that fits your child’s personality and your family’s needs.
👉 Book a free call today and discover how we can help your family achieve restful nights and joyful days. Whether you’re in Bristol or elsewhere in the world, i'm here to support you every step of the way.
Sleep isn’t just a priority—it’s a gift for your family’s wellbeing. Let’s start the new year with the rest you all deserve!
