Lack of sleep can cause a slew of other problems, including poor behavior, an inability to concentrate, and frequent nighttime waking. And particularly for single parents, dealing with kids who won't go to bed on time also means losing out on the chance to enjoy a few minutes of "me time" each evening, as well. In order to make sure that your child is getting enough sleep on a regular basis, you need to establish a set of consistent evening routines that your kids can count on. Not sure where to start? Begin with these do's and don'ts:

Do:  

• Spend some time unwinding with a quiet activity 30 minutes before starting the bedtime routine.


• Be consistent. The routine should be the same night-to-night, so that your child learns to anticipate sleep as part of the routine.


• Include bathtime in your regular routine, as the soothing warmth will help prepare your child's body for rest.


• Make reading together part of the bedtime routine.


• Move your child's bedtime up (to an earlier time) if he or she frequently wakes during the night.


• Leave the room while your child is still awake.


• Allow soft music or a nightlight.


• Remain calm when your child calls for you.


• Reassure your child that you will come back and check on him or her during the night.


• Always put your infant on his or her back to sleep.


• Impose reasonable consequences if your child refuses to go to sleep. For example, a favorite toy might go in "Time Out," or your child might lose TV time for continuing to act out at bedtime.

Don't:

• Make TV part of the bedtime routine.


• Offer caffeinated sodas with dinner.


• Allow frequent interruptions to the evening routine.


• Make lying down together or rocking your child to sleep a regular part of your evening routine.


• Use thick blankets, quilts, stuffed animals, or pillows in your infant's crib.


• Pick your child up if he or she continues to call for your fights going to sleep. Instead, simply reassure him or her that you're nearby.