Tips & tricks for getting your kids to bed on time and getting them to stay in bed!

One of the biggest challenges I have had with Jack and Carly is getting them to sleep in their beds. They often wake up during the evening and end up in Chris and I's bed. After a bit Chris and I are being kicked, or pushed of the bed. So we have been making changes and trying to get the kids to stick with a sleep pattern. So I am going to share some of my tips with you.

My Tips:

1. Set a routine and stick to it. This takes practice and just reinforcing them with how things are   going to be done. 
2. Bath Time. I give my kids there bath and use lavender baby wash to help relax them. I am not sure how much it works, but I think it is helping some.
3. Get in to PJs. Chris and I also get into are PJs. We make sure to tell the kids pjs are sleepy clothes when pjs are on it is time to sleep.
4. Let the kids unwind for 20-30 minutes and read a story to them. We try and always do this in their rooms. With hopes they will fall asleep during the story.
5. Have a night light, both of my kids are afraid of the dark so we have a night light in their rooms. We also have one in the hall and they have their daddy make sure there are no monsters. Just reassure them it is safe. 
6. With are daughter it has helped to have her favorite bear with her. It is her sleepy time bear and we give it to her at bedtime. It reassures her she is ok.
7. Just keep with the routine, be patient, but most of all be consistent.

Sometimes it works for us sometimes it does not, but we are sticking to it.

• Twittermoms and Drama U are having a contest!

So what are your  tips and tricks to getting your kids to go to bed and stay there?  Twittermoms and Dramu U would like to hear about your routine and will reward the first 100 bloggers who share their stories a pink Cozy!  Additionally they will also give you another pink Cozy to giveaway to one of readers on your blog. If you would like to participate yourself then, go here to read how to enter. Also the St. Eve Kids, Cozys are one size fits most little girls sizes between 6-9.