How to End Bedtime Battles. Let’s be honest. After a long day of parenting, most of us look forward to the time our children go to bed. We need a little break to refuel and recharge.

Let’s be honest. After a long day of parenting, most of us look forward to the time our children go to bed. We need a little break to refuel and recharge.

That’s why having a nightly bedtime battle can be so difficult. Patience is thin. Frustrations are high. And everyone is tired. Losing your cool and your kid losing theirs is not going to get them to sleep any faster. Breathe...you've got this! Don't forget...kids are masters at finding ways to divert your mission so stay focused and don't waiver.

Getting kids to sleep is a nightmare (ha ha) for most parents but it doesn’t have to be that way. Believe it or not, you can make bedtime fun for the whole family. The key is to create a gentle routine, where everyone can survive and dare I say thrive?

Here are some tips to end bedtime battles and make the nighttime routine enjoyable for the whole family:

1) Get the bath done early. Soaking in magnesium water (epsom salts) is a great relaxer. Many kids (and adults) are magnesium deficient and this affects your sleep. 

2) Story time! Let them pick their favorite books and have them lay in bed while you are reading. 

3) Keep the lights dim the last hour or so before bedtime. Darkness promotes melatonin production which induces sleep.

4) Put glow in the dark stars on their ceiling and have them count stars if they can't sleep. 

5) Diffuse essential oils in their room.

6) Roll on essential oil blends help immensely. They are safe and very effective. Here is one of my favorites:

Sleepytime Calming Balm:  This one is for kids 2+. Make sure they are in bed when you rub it on. This works fast!  Ingredients: Apricot Oil, Coconut Oil, Shea Butter, Beeswax, Vitamin E, Essential Oils of Lavender, Petitgrain & Roman Chamomile.