Most children don't want to go to bed and will fight with you when you tell them it's bedtime. We recommend you follow a similar routine every night to get your child in bed, and more importantly, stay there.

Set up a reasonable bedtime or naptime. Under normal day-to-day circumstances, put your child to bed at the same time every day.

About 30 minutes before bedtime, start "quiet time." During this time, your child should engage in quiet activities rather than roughhousing, etc.

Go through your regular bedtime routine (bedtime story, visit to the bathroom, drink of water, rocking, etc.) in the same order every night.

Have your child in bed at the established time. Tell him, "Good night," and that you will see him in the morning. Turn off the light, leave the room and close the door (optional).

Monitor your child very closely the first few nights to catch him getting out of bed.

When your child gets out of bed, put him back into bed. Make this as matter-of-factly as possible. Continue doing this each time he gets out of bed. You may be surprised how often he will get out of bed the first night or two. Don't get discouraged; he is testing you to find out whether or not you are serious. Don't give up.

In the morning, verbally praise your child for staying in bed (if he does) and give him a reward.