24 December 2023 , 09:57
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Kids are undoubtedly going to be jumping up and down in excitement this evening, and as a parent, it may feel like an impossible task to calm them down so they fall asleep before Santa arrives.
No matter what you say to them they'll be excited at the thought of Father Christmas bringing them goodies, and spending time with their family. No matter your traditions, there's one thing that's almost guaranteed, and it's that you'll be trying to barter with your kids to catch some Zzzs.
Thankfully, an expert has shared how you can get your kids off to the land of nod at a reasonable time so you can enjoy a nightcap in peace before sneaking into their rooms to make the magic happen.
Child sleep expert Joanna Rammell shared ways to help children sleep this Christmas Eve, including a special 'sleep potion'. She told greeting card company thortful that there are ingredients, such as milk and bananas, that help aid sleep for little ones as they're rich in tryptophan, and they can be put into a drink.
But it's the way that you 'sell' the drink to your kids that's what matters as if you tell them "it's a secret recipe shared only with excited children who need help falling asleep so Santa can deliver the presents", they'll be way more excited and likely to comply than if you simply hand it to them with no explanation.
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Joanna shared that tryptophan-rich foods "make serotonin and then melatonin - a hormone that helps children's bodies know when it's time to sleep." "Milk, oats, peanut butter, and banana are all high in tryptophan, and blended together will make a delicious sleepy potion", she shared.
Joanna also suggested other ways to introduce tryptophan-rich foods on Christmas Eve by starting a new tradition - a Christmas Eve picky tea that kids will go wild for. She recommended using foods such as "cheese, tuna, turkey, tofu, yoghurt, eggs, and bread."
But if they need a little more coercing than just eating or drinking yummy food, she also suggested penning a letter to them from Santa, "reminding children of the importance of an early bedtime to make sure they get their presents." This will certainly motivate them to be under the covers in no time.