33% of Parents find Bedtimes Unbearable – is this you? #sleeptime #betterbedtimes

9780719807916New research carried out by an online blinds firm has revealed that a third of Britons parents find bedtimes unbearable, followed in a close second to shopping in supermarkets and eating out.

If your downtime is shattered by children refusing to go to bed, read on to find out more about the survey and get a couple of tips for better bedtimes.

www.blinds-2go.co.uk conducted the survey asking parents what they found particularly stressful as part of on-going research into family life of typical Britons. 2,118 people took part in the survey from around the UK. Each of whom had started a family in the last 5 years. The results were as follows:

  1. Bedtime – 33%
  2. Shopping – 28%
  3. Dinner Time – 12%
  4. Eating Out – 18%
  5. Travelling – 9%

And sleep problems aren’t always limited to babies and toddlers. One mum, Elaine, says, “I’m struggling with a 9 year old who won’t sleep. Past 1am this morning before he gave in. We started at 8pm.” – Elaine, MakeMineAVodka.com

Of the 33% that answered Bed Time we then went on to ask how they handled the bedtime situation:

  • 74% admitted to usually quickly giving into their child’s demand to stay up later for an easy life.
  • 17% admitted to giving in after putting their child back to bed a couple of times
  • 9% would insist there child went to bed on time when he or she played up.

So what can you if you’re having problems with your children at bedtime? Leah Brandwood, Head of Design at Blinds 2go, recommended: “Creating the right environment for sleep is one way to make sure you child has less interruptions to their sleep pattern. We would recommend blackout roller blinds for nurseries and children’s bedrooms, especially if you live in a noisy area or somewhere which is well lit at night. Blackout roller blinds are also beneficial to parent’s bedrooms as well ensuring you also get sleep when you can.” She added: “When it comes to blinds in children’s bedrooms as well as providing a good environment to sleep in, safety is also important. Our blackout blinds come with child safety features and devices which meet government legislation.”

Sleep practitioner Victoria Dawson, founder of the children’s sleep charity, says, “Start by writing your routine down so you know exactly what’s going to happen when. The act of writing can make you look at what you do at bedtime, and which parts of it are working and which are not. Consider using a visual timetable so that your child knows what is coming next. Take photos or find drawings of your bedtime activities: a meal, bathtime, teethbrushing, story time etc.”

Find more better bedtime tips from Victoria here.

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