Kids are naturally full of energy but there’s others that tend to be more hyper. It can be hard to put them to bed especially if they want to do more activities despite having had a full day. If you’re one of those parents that struggle with this, there are some things you can do to help them calm down, starting with their bedroom.
- Install essential oil scents
Scents seem like an adults-only thing but they have just as huge of an impact on kids. In fact, the earlier you teach your kids about aromatherapy, the sooner they can take advantage of its benefits. One of them is being able to relax easily using the right scents. Some relaxing ones include chamomile, lavender, and citrus.
Essential oils are very strong compounds so make sure you are using a diluted version of it that’s already been mixed with a carrier oil. Keep the essential oil diffuser out of your child’s reach as this can pose as a potential choking hazard.
- Keep it dark
As soon as evening hits, make sure all the lights in your child’s bedroom are turned off except for the night lamp. This lamp should have a warm relaxing color for its bulb since that can help prime your child’s brain for sleep. Avoid white fluorescent lights since those trick the brain into thinking it’s still day time. During summers, it may be hard to keep the room darker at an earlier time so you’ll want to install blackout curtains which block light from outside.
- Clean clutter
Having a messy room can make it difficult for your child to relax. Make sure all their toys are stowed away in their storage bins. This keeps the room clean and lessens their temptation to engage in highly stimulating activities. There are plenty of storage solutions out there whether it’s an underbed storage, trays, baskets, or fabric bags.
- Pick the right colors
You can go crazy with bold colors in your living room but not in your child’s bedroom. You may want to play around with fun colors since it’s their room but for the best results, you’ll want to paint their room in relaxing colors like muted pastel tones and creams. These have a calming effect on the atmosphere making it easy to fall asleep.
The same principle also applies to the color of their bedding as well. You don’t want highly stimulating colors and patterns so opt for soft sheets in soft colors instead.
- Use cozy bedding
Is your child’s bed comfortable enough to sleep in? It could be the reason why they’d rather be anywhere but their bed. Make sure it is actually comfortable by checking the cushioning. It should have just the right amount of softness and firmness to support their joints and muscles.
Also check the bedding. Are the sheets too hot and stuffy or is there not enough to keep them warm? Extras like noise machines and a weighted blanket can help with anxiety but if you have the basics like the bedding taken care of, then you should have no problem putting your child to sleep.
- Bring nature in
Plants are universally calming. There’s a good reason why more people are bringing them into their homes. They instantly spruce up a space and they help calm us down. To help create a relaxing mood in your child’s bedroom, consider adding natural elements. You can put an indoor plant that’s easy to maintain. If you’re not confident to grow it yourself, you can put up a framed photo of a plant instead. It’s just as calming and will be a pleasure for your child to look at as they fall asleep
Got a hyperactive kid? Which of these tips are you going to try first? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
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