Select a temporary bedtime based on when your child is naturally falling asleep. These activities could include such things as a light snack, a bath, a story, a good night hug, etc. Your interactions with your child during these activities should be very positive. Start the routine approximately 20 minutes before the temporary bedtime. Follow the routine every night with the activities in exactly the same order.
Consistency is critical.
When the bedtime routine is completed, put your child to bed and leave the bedroom. It is very important that your child be awake when put to bed. Your child must learn to fall asleep by himself or herself. You should gradually increase the amount of time before going into your child's room each night. For example, wait five minutes the first night, ten minutes the second night, and fifteen minutes the third night.