How to Scare off Monsters

Armed with a flashlight and some magic monster repellant (eg.  a spray bottle filled with water you can use for a little bedtime exorcism), you'll have those monsters out from under the bed in no time.

How to End Musical Beds

When she gets out of bed, calmly, peacefully and lovingly put her back to bed. EVERY TIME. Kiss her, hug her, rub her back. Even sit or lie next to her until she falls back to sleep if necessary. Don't talk much, and don't turn on any lights. Do choose a key phrase to repeat to her a few times, such as, "It's night-night time now. Mommy loves you. Please stay in your bed and have sweet dreams."

Source: Elizabeth Pantley, author of The No-Cry Sleep Solution

How to Evict a Kid from the Family Bed

Pimp that room. A little redecorating will go a long way to transitioning a kid to his own room. Think: his own hand-picked cool new bed or bedding, a sign for the door, some new wall art, a special transitional object like a little silk blanket or stuffed animal.

Bedtime Rituals. Start with a week of jammies and books in his room, not yours, but let him keep sleeping with you. Next, have him set up a sleeping spot next to your bed week two (as opposed to in it).

Make your move. Set a date for the big move of one week later. Mark your calendar. Talk it up. And make sure that along with the heave-ho, you give him lots of kisses, lengthy cuddles at light's out and return as needed for reassurance. During this transition period, welcome your kid back into your bed if he comes calling in the middle of the night.

Source: Jodi Mindell, author of Sleeping Through the Night

5 Short Stress-Breaks for Sleep Deprived Parents.

Rub Down. For an endorphin shot, try these pressure points: Ears. Gently tugging and rubbing your ears will relax you and clear out your sinuses. Shoulders. Deep kneading with your fingertips releases tension from tissues and gets the oxygen flowing.

Mix It Up. Studies say a change of tunes can mean a change of moods. Type in an artist or song you like at Pandora.com and listen to a free custom playlist.

Treat Yourself. Re-charge with snacks high in stress-busting antioxidants like a handful of almonds or blueberries or that ideal chill-pill, vitamin C.

Stay hydrated. When your energy is dwindling, drink a glass of water or juice.

Power Nap. It only takes 20 minutes to do the trick. Human circadian rhythms make late afternoons a more likely time to fall into deep sleep, which will leave you groggy, so better to nap just after lunch or late in the morning. Set the alarm so you don't sleep too long.