Lucas and I were invited* to the Trafford Centre on Thursday as part of Book Trust’s #BathBookBed campaign. Parenting expert, Jo Frost and the Peppa Pig family have teamed up with Book Trust to emphasise how important the well known bath, book and bed routine is to help your children get the sleep they need and hopefully for us parents to get our evenings back and have stress free bedtimes.
Jo Frost talked to Chelsea Norris from BBC Radio Manchester about the importance of good bedtime routines for both the children and the parent’s wellbeing. Lack of sleep is one of the hardest parts of being a parent and getting children to sleep can be one of the biggest challenges.
A regular routine is the best way to get children ready for sleep. A simple bath, book, bed routine can be relaxing for both children and parents. It is a time to switch off from technology and create an environment that is just you and the children. Where they have your undivided attention for a while to play before relaxing and having a cuddle. Sharing a story can feed the children’s imagination, creativity and confidence.
I asked Jo, Emma‘s question of how to deal with their child’s Daddy coming home from work at 7pm as her son can be relaxed but once Daddy walks in, he obviously gets excited and it’s a struggle to get him to bed. Jo suggested that Daddy gets to play and catch up with their son for half an hour before reading a story and going to bed.
I also mentioned not knowing how to tackle stopping breastfeeding at night. When I stopped the day feeds, I drove Lucas to sleep at nap times as denying him my breasts caused an absolute devil in the room. I know that he isn’t going to take it well at night at all. Jo suggested that we do the bath, bed, book routine and for the lead up of stopping breastfeeding, I should not feed him to sleep or have it as the last thing we do. I am going to try and feed before the book, then cuddles before sleep.
Jon says
What an interesting read. I used to love watching Super Nanny on TV, mainly because I agreed with so many of her practical solutions to difficult situations.
Helen says
How interesting! We have had the same bedtime routine for as long as I can remember – bath, milk, teeth, book, cuddles, bed. Our daughter likes the routine and it means she’s asleep by 6.15pm most nights 🙂
Newcastle Family Life says
We have had the same routine from our little two being born of bath, book, bed and it really does work. I used to watch Suernanny on TV years ago as my eldest was a nightmare to get to sleep xx
Home and Horizon says
I love Jo – sounds like she had some great advice for you too. I really hope her tips help you get through some of the more trickier phases!
Sus // roughmeasures.com says
It sounds like you got some good tips from Jo. I always loved watching Supernanny.
Emma says
This looks like such an amazing event. We always keep to our bath, book, bed routine even if we are on our travels.
Ana De-Jesus says
I love Jo Frost, I always enjoyed watching Super Nanny, What an amazing sounding event xx
Kara says
We have always used this routine with our kids and although not perfect, we still have a good bedtime routine now
Musings of a tired mummy...zzz... says
We have always had the bath book bed routine in our family and the kids really benefit from some time to wind down and enjoy some time with me uninterrupted
Clair says
Interesting read! I am 24 and still take this approach to bed time. I love reading before falling asleep x
steph_baybee says
I loved Supernany when she was on TV. I had 3 kids to get ready for bed on my own during the week, so this bath, book, bed worked a treat for my kids
Sonia says
I don’t know how anyone survives without this routine! Mine are now 11,8&6 and we have continued it on until now- except they read themselves as well now! #ablogginggoodtime
Imperfect Mum (@imperfectmumx) says
Oh I agree with this routine. I used it with both of my boys. Thank you for linking up to #ablogginggoodtime