Brush their hair for ten or fifteen minutes, curl up together in a favorite chair or under a shared blanket and listen to some soft music. Give massages to classical music. Music has long been known to sooth the human spirit. Make it known this is for the end of each day, before bedtime. Everyone loves milk, and if not try other warm drinks, decaffeinated teas, or fruit juices.
Milk contains tryptophan a natural sleep aid.
You can add a special touch by pouring the mixture into a blender with a piece of fruit or a marshmallow. What ever your bedtime ritual, the true key to success is consistency. Stick with it even if it starts off with resistance. They seek guidance and discipline to make their world feel a more secure place. Yet, they also crave to be more independent and helping your children to establish a healthy habit of going to bed at a regular time each night will enhance their sense of well being.