Tips to get our grandkids to bed and keep them there when they stay over

Some kids push parents to their limits when it's time to go to bed. They get so tired and fight it, then they get grouchy and mom and dad may get upset.

Our granddaughter goes full speed ahead until she hits a brick wall and drops. She then goes out like a light. It's so funny to watch her full speed one minute and out the next. She fights going to sleep a lot.

We have to find what works for us and our grandkids when they spend the night. What works here, may not work at home. When they're at home they have different circumstances.

1. When Kristen, 2, spends the night, she will say, "come on", and wave me to follow or take my hand and tell me we're getting in bed and taking "paw-paw's spot". That means grandpaw has to sleep on the sofa, unless we make room for him, then he sleeps on top on the covers with his own blanket.
2. After we go to bed we watch a show she picks. That means we put on Barbie or Dora most of the time. It calms her down from the running around and playing. 
3. We always take a pacifier and special blankie to bed so she has something that's all hers. It's her comfort. Her security.
4. I make sure she has a dry diaper on so she is comfortable before she falls asleep.
5. Kristen falls asleep quickly at this point.
6. A full cup of her juice is on my nightstand. When she stirs in her sleep I give her a drink and she continues sleeping.  
7. We never turn out all the lights. Once she awoke to a dark room and was very scared. We won't repeat that again.

As for our grandsons, they are older, tweens.

We usually have to do several activities with them during the day to make sure they will be tired at night.

They get in bed and watch TV until they fall asleep. It usually doesn't take long. And once they're out they are gone for the night unless they have to go to the bathroom.

Drama U. for St. Eve Kids introduces several fun characters who will pop up on kids' bed clothes - Molly, Tommy, Tammy, Frankie, Johnny, Tweet, Shirley, Lulu, Peggy, Marky and Suzie. These characters will keep them company through the night.

TwitterMoms and St. Eve Kids are having a contest. If I am one of the first 100 bloggers to post a story I will receive a pink Cozy and an additional pink Cozy to give away to one of my lucky blog readers. The St. Eve Kids Cozys are one size fits most (girls sizes between 6-9).

Drama University for St. Eve Kids is a fun site for kids.  I hope you check it out.