Supernanny warns parents should 'never rush' routine step if they want 'calm' bedtime

If you have trouble getting your youngster to settle down for bed, you could be making one common mistake many parents make.

Jo Frost, the former star of Channel 4's Supernanny, has claimed many parents rush bedtime routines because they have things to catch up on when their child is asleep. But this rush may be what's keeping them awake.

In the video, which has gained more than 12,000 likes, Jo explained: "A lot of parents talk about their young toddler, three or four years old, being very hyped up and not wanting to sort of slow down, get into the space of slumber before bed. I think it's important for parents to recognise that you have to create that pace, and that starts really after bath time.

"You have to energetically yourself calm down. Don't rush your child onto some conveyor belt as if it's a task that needs to get done because I've got things to do and I've got to rush, rush, rush. Your children will feel that.

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"But I do think there's a pace in which you move, a pace that's very methodic in the fact that you draw the curtains, pull the blinds down, everything's calmer. Children should have a predictable routine that allows them to be able to understand that this is the transition from daytime to nighttime and that these are the things that we do."

Instagram users were left divided over the clip as they shared their experiences in the comments. One user said: "Lol she hasn't met my son yet," while another added: "Dinner, Bath, Book time. Kids love routine."

A third wrote: "I do the routine but I'm definitely guilty of rushing the kid along! I'm gonna try a slower pace." Someone else penned: "Children need adults to set the pace, energy and expectations. Love you Jojo!"