Getting Them to Bed When Sitting
If you are babysitting chances are very good that you'll need to help the children get ready for bed and go to sleep. So what should you do to get them settled? What if they won't settle down no matter what you do? While it can be one of the more demanding parts of taking care of a child it doesn't have to be. If you take your time, stay calm and find the right tricks bedtime will get easier even if you have a child that fights sleep.
Tips on Settling The Kids Down for the Night
Figure Out the Routine: For some kids, this is as simple as asking their parents what they do and following it. For others, you may need to watch the child and try a few different tricks of your own. Once you've sorted out a routine that works, you will have little trouble.
Ask if There's a Comfort Object: For infants this might be a binky. For older children it might be a favorite doll, teddy or blanket that they like to snuggle with as they fall asleep. Knowing about it will help you immensely. Be sure to ask what they call it or you may not know what they want.
Give Them Reminders: Once it gets closer to bedtime (say about 2 hours) start reminding them it will be bedtime soon and calling their attention to the clock so they know you're paying attention.
If none of these seem to work be patient, sometimes it's a matter of being calm and sitting with them until they get tired and fall asleep. Whatever you do avoid giving in to pleas that they stay up to watch TV or until their parents get home. The sooner you can get them used to going to bed with you in charge the sooner they'll get used to it.
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