As parents we dream that our children will be angels and sleep like one too. However we sometimes get a rude awakening and our kids just will not go to bed.

What ever excuse they can come up with such as
A) I need a drink of water
B) I am hungry
C) I am scared of the dark
D) Or anything else they can use.
Will help them stay up until you have exhausted every need they have.

Some children will run from room to room. Go to the bathroom several times. Or just make noise in their room to let you know there is no way they are going to go to sleep.

So how do we handle such things? Here are a few good tips that could help you get your kids on a good sleep schedule and make you a happier parent.

1). Achieve the goal. The goal being to get your child to go to bed on time. To stay in bed and fall asleep on time and to get up easier in the morning.

2). How?: You may wish to add a quarter for each night they have a good bedtime routine and wake up with out an issue in the morning to their weekly allowance.

3). If allowance is not possible: How about extra T.V. time on the weekends or Extra game time on the Playstation 2.

4). If that does not get your child's attention: How about a special evening out at their choice of restaurant. Or a Movie night.

You key is to find out what your child loves the most and to implement positive ways he or she can make use of that love for their past time.

Remember never promise to much. Broken promises to children only reinforce that they are not important to you. So aim little and achieve high.

In todays world we always give to much. It is time that we give of ourselves and take hold of the dollar and cents end of things.

If you can read with your child at bedtime or go in with a cold glass of water and kiss them good night and say here's some water if you get thirsty sweetie.

Any kind of positive reinforcement that will help your child relax and get into a good bedtime routine. Exercise after dinner is a good idea. A game of basketball with dad or a bike ride with mom.

A hot shower or bath. Soft music or reading a book quietly before it is time for lights to go off. Any number of these things can help you get your child in a better bed time routine.

Remember you are not alone in this journey. Thousands of parents have restless kids who hate the thought of bedtime. If you have any helpful ideas your comments are always welcome.