Tip and Tricks for Getting Your kids to bed on time

As a parent, I know how difficult it can be to get your child to go to bed at night and stay in bed all night - especially during the exciting holiday times! Twittermoms and St. Eve Kids are having a fun contest and would like to hear your tips. You could win a St.Eve Kids Cozy just for entering the contest. Warm and cute,the Cozy is a snuggly blanket that has sleeves so your child can relax in comfort. Visit Twittermoms for all the information on this contest and visit www.DramaU.net for more information on how to win a years' worth of St.Eve Kids' sleepwear.
So, the question is: What are your five tips & tricks for getting your kids to bed on time and getting them to stay in bed? I'm going to tell you mine but can honestly say that I need some work in this area. My son who just turned 8 years old is waking up in the middle of the night and climbing in bed with us. I am really trying to kick this bad habit!!! Believe me, my back is paying for this. I never had this problem with him, until just recently and its getting annoying. I think he comes in my room and I'm so tired, that I just move over. If I tell him NO then he will go back to his room. I know that I need to get tougher and I will be working on this. But, I will give you my tips and tricks that help get the kids to bed on time.

#1 Tip: Make a Set Bed Time ~ My kids bed time is 9:00. They know that at 9 they are to go in the bathroom and brush their teeth, etc. Then we say our prayers and read a quick story. (I like to read earlier in the night so at bedtime its a quick book)

#2 Tip: Stick to Your Rules!!! Sometimes its hard, but You need to have set rules and stick to them.

#3 Tip: Make sure that your kids have been feed and homework is done at least an hour prior to bedtime. (My son tries to pull these tricks to stay up)

#4 Tip: Give the Kids a Warning or Reminder~ 30 minutes prior to bedtime, I let them know that it will be bedtime shortly

#5 Tip: Be Firm and Say NO ~If my son wakes up in the middle of the night, he will try to sneak in to bed with us. The only way to keep him out is to tell him "NO" that he can't sleep in our bed. Then he will go back to his bed.

I have learned the hard way, by allowing kids to sleep with us. It's important to set Rules from the start and Stick with it. I know that it's not easy and You get less sleep. But, As parents we need to do it. I have rules and guidelines that I expect my kids to follow. Sometimes, I think its harder on me, making sure that I stick to my guns.