Calming Children for Bedtime

The National Sleep Foundation recommends that parents "embrace good sleep habits . . . including Regular bedtime routines, creating a quiet and comfortable bedroom, and adhering to appropriate bedtime and wake times can go a long way to better sleep. I believe the first step toward a more peaceful bedtime is to find ways to transition children to a calm state of mind. I find that setting the "tone" one half hour before bedtime can promote good bedtime habits. Turning down the lights and exchanging the television noise with soft music prior to announcing bedtime may has proven helpful.