Getting Some Zzzs

     Sleep is so important to a child.  They need it to grow and it helps them focus in school. I have read many books that said to be sure to get them into bed early. I use to worry and fret over my children who didn't seem to sleep as much as the books said they should.   

     Do you have a child that doesn't like to sleep?  We have two in our home.  They enjoy staying up late.  Most days it doesn't seem to hinder their learning and it rarely changes their waking habits. They are night owls.  

     It use to drive me crazy, but after 22 years of parenting, I have figured out that no two children are the same.  They each need to be parented in a different way.  What works for one may not work for the other.  Bedtime is no exception.  Some children require 10 to 12 hours of sleep, but others need less.  

      Our youngest son Joshua, who is 12,  is one of the kiddos that do not require a lot of sleep. Even as a baby, he didn't sleep a lot.  He usually goes to sleep around 11:30 or 12 and wakes up at 8.  He does most of his creative thinking, reading, and learning late at night.  It is during these late hours that he comes up with his best ideas.  It's just the way God built him.  I use to be concerned with his sleeping patterns, but then I realized that I can't change who he is.  All I can do is make sure he is happy and healthy, and he is!  

      With all that being said, I would like to give you a few tricks that will help you and your child sleep better.  These are tried and true methods.  They even help Joshua get to sleep once he is ready for sleepy-town. 

• We love to use essential oils as a part of our bedtime routine.  It helps to relax us.  We like to diffuse them, spray them on our pillows or stuffed animals, or apply them topically. They smell amazing and help us to wind down. 
•  We love to read before bed.  This also helps us relax and before we know it we can't keep our eyes open.
•   I have taught my children that if they are having trouble falling to sleep that they should pray.  Asking God to help them to sleep well and not to have any bad dreams.  
•   Taking a warm bath may help your child to unwind before bedtime.  If our bodies are at ease, we have an easier time falling to sleep.
•   Don't forget lots of hugs and kisses before attempting bedtime.   A child who feels loved will feel more calm and ready to sleep. Even my teen has to have his hug before he turns in for the night.  
•   Make sure their bellies are full.  Give them a light snack about an hour before bedtime. 

     As a mom, I have to say that I haven't really slept like I use to BC {before children} for over 22 years, but I figure once my children are all grown, I will have plenty of time to sleep.   Right now I just have to focus on getting adequate sleep for my health and making sure they are healthy and getting the sleep their bodies require.  Our bedtime routines may be different than others, but they work for our family.  What works for yours?  I would love to hear about it!