It isn’t unusual for parents to have problems getting their little ones to bed and to sleep. On the other hand, when your child becomes a teen, he may sleep well longer than you might choose.

But what can you do with a little one?

Begin by keeping the time to go to bed the same every night to establish a regular routine. Some parents even set the alarm off when it is time to have their little one go to bed. The alarm goes off and then the routine begins. You can have your child put all the toys to bed first and then it is her turn. You can go from one station to the next and end up in bed. Begin by stopping in the kitchen for water, in the bathroom for brushing her teeth and then to the bedroom for the “good night story” and bed.

Make sure you have a quiet time before you put her to bed. The story is a great idea, especially after a warm bath and maybe a bit of conversation about the day. Put a favorite doll or animal in bed with her and let her tell them a story. You could let the doll or animal and your child listen to a tape of a children’s book before they go to sleep.

Never forget the value of a nice gentle massage as you are telling her a story at night. Just even the additional comfort of touching can help signal it is time for bed and sleep.

If your child is fearful in the dark or at night, tell her you will check on her every 5 to 10 minutes until she is asleep. You also can work nearby in the next room so she can hear you. If this kind of pattern doesn’t work, use an incentive chart. Draw stars on a calendar with marking pens or use stickers for each night she goes to bed and to sleep without a fuss.

Never use the crib or bed as a place for punishment. You want this to be a place your child looks forward to coming to and that has many pleasant memories for her.

Skip the milk or any sweet drink that might contribute to tooth decay. Never tie things in bed with a string because your child might get tangled or even strangle.

If you are willing to have your child in your room with you at night, read about the pros and cons. At the least you can put down a pillow or sleeping bag and let her sleep next to you but on the floor. Sometimes this is easier to break this habit later on. You might not want to do this when he is 17.

This is a problem well worth working on. If you don’t, it takes away the only time you and your partner have to be alone. This is a real loss in your relationship. It also takes time away from you to just relax and have some time to yourself. All of us need that kind of time, too.

If this is a problem in your family, consider going to a parenting class. First Teacher is beginning one from 9-11 a.m. on Sept. 24 at the

Sequim Boys & Girls Club, 400 W. Fir St. Call 681-2250 to sign up. Don’t let problems bug you for a long time. Seek solutions.

Cynthia Martin is the founder of the First Teacher program and director of Parenting Matters Foundation. Reach her at pmf@olypen.com or at 681-2250.