November News

 News from the Office...

I am finding it hard to believe that we are already in November and the end of the year is so near. It has been such a beautiful time and we start to get nostalgic nearing the end of the year as it is the time in which our children begin preparation for the next path in their Early years Journey and especially our Kindergarten children who will all leave us next year to begin Prep!! Such exciting times.

We hope that you have noticed some of the exciting things that are happening around our great centre. Entrance windows to the the centre have been tinted in hopes of cooling this side of the building as it gets very hot in the front of house in the summer which can have a knock on effect throughout the centre.

The fort area in the back yard and all of the poles throughout the service, have been sanded, high pressure cleaned and resprayed to prevent any older paint from peeling or flaking and potentially causing a hazard.

The garden beds have had a freshen up and have been moved for easier accessibility for the Educators and children.

 Positive Bed time routines for children

A positive bedtime routine involves your child going through a few quiet, enjoyable activities about 20 minutes before bedtime. Without a good bedtime routine, it can be hard for babies and young children to settle to sleep.

Most bedtime routines include pre-bed tasks like having a bath and brushing teeth, as well as quiet, enjoyable activities like reading a book or listening to a story. The aim is to keep the atmosphere calm and positive, using positive attention and praise.

Here's an example of a bedtime routine that could start after dinner and a bath:

• Your child plays quietly for 15-20 minutes – this could include reading with you.
• You and your child go into the bedroom.
• You and your child have a brief cuddle and kiss.
• You put your child into bed.

At the end of the 20-minute 'positive period', be clear that it's now time for sleep. This means no more stories or talking. Say goodnight to your child, then leave the room straight away.

You might have an ideal bedtime in mind – somewhere between 7 pm and 8 pm often works for young children.

About a week after you introduce the positive bedtime routine, you can start gradually making your child's bedtime earlier.

This involves making bedtime about 15 minutes earlier every couple of days. You do this until you reach the ideal bedtime for your child.

For example, your child has been falling asleep at 9 pm, but you want an 8 pm bedtime. Here's what to do:

1. Start your positive bedtime routine at 8.40 pm, so that your child is ready for a 9 pm bedtime.
2. Do this for two nights.
3. Start your positive bedtime routine at 8.25 pm, so your child is ready for an 8.45 pm bedtime.
4. Do this for two nights.
5. Continue this gradual 'fading' process until your child is going to bed at 8 pm or the time you want.

The strategy will work best if you consistently put your child to bed on time while you're trying to make their bedtime earlier. It can take a few weeks, but a positive bedtime routine will improve settling problems, decrease the number of times your child calls out to you at night, and lead to better parent-child relationships.