GO TO BED

***FIVE TIPS FOR GETTING THE KIDS TO BED ON TIME***

Children need a sleep schedule to make sure they're rested for school, sports, and day-to-day activities. But try explaining that to a 6-year-old who wants to stay up. Well, here are five tips to get those kids to bed . . .

#1.) DON'T SERVE DINNER LATE. Feeding your kids right before bedtime gives them more energy to stay awake, AND it's bad for their bodies. Try to eat dinner a few hours before bedtime so your kids can metabolize the food before it's time to fall asleep.

#2.) SET A CONSISTENT BEDTIME. A good bedtime for young kids is 8 o'clock. Whatever time you choose, make sure you're CONSISTENT, so you don't mess with their internal clocks.

#3.) AVOID LATE ACTIVITIES. Try not to plan activities . . . especially physical ones . . . right before bed, or you risk missing bedtime and having to deal with a sleep-deprived child the next day.

#4.) GIVE THEM A BATH. Taking a bath an hour before bedtime can help your kids relax, AND it should make them sleepy too. It's also a good way to divide PLAYTIME and BEDTIME.

#5.) DON'T LEAVE THE TV ON. Letting your kids fall asleep with the TV on keeps them up, and creates a bad habit that can follow them into adulthood. Instead, play some light music or read to them. OR, if they're old enough, encourage THEM to read. (eHow.com)