How can I stop bedtime getting later and later?

It’s easy for dinner, bath and bedtimes to get later over time. However, the problem with running behind for even just 30 minutes for young age groups – and even up to the age of 10 year olds – is they can quickly cross into becoming overtired… which an established routine can help with. Children thrive with clear, calm consistency and predictability. So an important part of Joanna’s approach is to re-establish a calming and predictable bedtime routine.

Children need to be able to anticipate with certainty what is going to happen and when, and be right about it.

Joanna’s biggest tip is to, “make room for a good, authentic belly laugh! Not tickles – they’re a stimulus – but instead some real good FUN.” Laughter helps us to release residual tension and help kids wind down.

“If all else fails, make a magic sleep spray and be totally, extremely confident with your child that it’ll work.”

You can do this by filling a small spray bottle with water and a couple of drops of lavender, and spray it around their pillow. Tell them the magic sleep spray means they have beautiful dreams and they need to hop into bed to catch them.

Remember, it takes at least 7-10 days to embed a routine, so don’t give up on day 5 when it feels difficult. Stick with it!