Source: http://jodeekulp.blogspot.ca/2012/06/sleep-strategies-for-children-with.htmlWear them out
Wear them out – wear them out I repeat – fun and laughter and sunshine and water and dirt and play. Running and jumping and fun after school or being overwhelmed in learning new things. A healthy meal and then begin to build in household peace.
We found over the years that the following things made a difference:
Begin shutting off blue light (cell phones, television, computers) two hours before going to bed and change sounds in the home to quiet music or soft nature. Move to a warmer spectrum of lighting. Blue light (which is the light we have during most of the day limits our production of melatonin, in the absence of blue light, melatonin production increases and we get sleepier.
Shake the “zingys” off – we found rapidly waving the hands, kicking the feet or shaking the whole body helped move energy. “We cast off the troubles of the day.” All the yuck fell off… or at least we tried. If you have night lights this is the time to engage the children to tip toe and slowly turn them all on while turning house lights off or dimming them mouse quiet.
Prepare a warm bath with a chamomile, lavender, sandalwood scent and let the child soak while you write your to-do list for the morning and then leave it!
Dim the lights. We had a BETA FIGHTING FISH in a night lighted tank in the bathroom that was always alert to protect children padding in to go potty in the middle of the night. If you are staying in the bathroom while the children bathe, use a scented candle and dim the lights. I put the candle away when I am done and hide it.