Getting kids (toddler and older) to sleep

Depending on the night, Isaiah can find a million reasons to get up out of bed after we've done our bedtime routine. Some nights when we're feeling nice, we give in and get him what he wants (a drink, a different stuffed animal, whatever...). As soon as he realizes he can get away with staying up, he will find even more reasons not to sleep. This method frustrates everyone.

I am a big fan of the show Supernanny. I don't know if you've ever seen it, but this British woman named Jojo comes into disfunctional, undisciplined families and gives them concrete ways to bring order to the family. Apparently one major issue with many families is getting kids to bed. Jojo's method works like magic, and the nights we are firm and use it, Isaiah never gets out of bed more than once.

Here's what you do. The first time the kid gets out of bed say only, "Time to sleep, honey," take him by the hand and lead him back to bed. The second time he gets up, say very firmly, "It's time to sleep," and lead him back to bed. The most important thing is not to engage in conversation. Every time after that that the child gets out of bed, say nothing, and lead him back to bed.

We skip the first two steps and just put Isaiah back in bed without saying anything. He quickly gets the picture that the day is over, and we're serious about his going to bed. He has never gotten up out of bed after we take him to bed with no conversation.