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Have you ever had a amazing day with your toddler? One that you just didn't want to end? One that may have included some amazing milestones like first words or even first success on the potty? Toddlers, like us, have days that they just don't want to end, making bedtime a struggle for parents.
Here are some tips to make those bedtime struggles with toddlers a thing of the past.
Doesn’t time always seem to fly by? Especially, during those extra exciting days. And for a toddler, who has a limited understanding and sense for time…the end of the day may be challenging to grasp. Give your toddler a little extra warning that soon the day and all its activities will be coming to a close. Try to reduce the stimulation and introduce a quiet activity before bed that is more calming. Give regular warnings on the amount of time remaining before pulling the plug on bed time proper.
I know its not easy when you have things to get done or guest who are still in your living room, but by giving your toddler some personal time, the will be much less likely to yell for you when you go back to entertain your guest. A great option is to use an egg timer during snuggle time so it’s not your responsibility or fault when the timer goes off and you have to leave.
A great activity to help your child to calm before bed is to have some sharing time a.k.a. recapping the day’s events. It will remind him just how special the day was and all the amazing things you did together. You can also talk about the following day to give him something to look forward to. I have clients use props like Bedtime Cards to help with this discussion, while others just enjoy the cuddle.
A personal strategy that I used with my own children on evenings where guests stayed beyond bed time was to ‘put the house to sleep.’ I would have my toddlers say good night, and my guests pretend they were going to sleep right there in the living room. I know sounds odd but no one ever complained about playing along. I would say good night and turn lights off as we walked through the house, showing my little ones that the party was over. Once I had them in bed I was able to return to my guests.
Always remember no matter how hard we try your toddlers will keep negotiating to enjoy a late night out. Remember to anticipate what their excuses are going to be and try to deal with them before they even start. For example: I need water, where's my blankey, etc.
At the end of the day, it's important your little movers get a good long sleep so their little bodies can relax and get ready for the next days' non-stop adventures.
Tracey Ruiz AKA The Sleep Doula, specializes in helping your babies, toddlers and children sleep. Working in the trenches with thousands of families over the last nine years, Tracey has seen it all. Co-sleepers, 15-minute nappers, babies who can sleep standing up, parents who don't like to hear their baby cry… You name it. She’s seen it and helped parents solve it.
Through Tracey’s extensive experience, she knows there’s never a ‘one size fits all’ solution. Every situation, every family, every child is different. She also knows the frustration, guilt and emotional distress families face when their children don’t sleep.