In an ideal world bedtime would be a time where we create memories and wrap up the day pleasantly with our little loves. Often though that’s not necessarily the case. Is your toddler or older child pushing back on bedtime? Are bedtimes dragging out and becoming a constant battle? Do bedtimes end tell me up in tears, frustration, yelling or just really late?
These things are SO important ⬇️
Mix up the bedtime routine and keep things as early as possible. Making a series of requests for essentially boring things like brushing teeth and getting pyjamas on right at the end of the night when they are tired. One after the other doesn’t sound very appealing. Pop some music on it earlier in the night and mix it up.
Use the bedtime routine to connect. Our lives are way busier than our little ones are designed for. In turn they are missing out on a lot of time for connection and our attention. Shower together, let them help you at dinner, eat together, save the cleaning till after, sit and play before you direct. Connect to direct it will make such a HUGE difference.
Watch for loss of sleep pressure. Think about how much toddlers and kids are designed to move! They have sooo much energy to burn, outdoor time is especially great as it supports and encourages their circadian rhythm to prepare for sleep. Time watching screens, chilling in milk or lengthy wind downs can actually give your kids a second wind.
On that note, screens will not only mean a second wind but they inhibit our little ones release of melatonin which is their drowsy hormone and we want that. Plus screens = poor behaviour and often just add to their inability to follow instruction, frustration and hyperactivity.
Boundaries with kindness and love. If your little one is leading you in the lead up to bedtime there’s every chance they will feel the need to control it even more. Little ones need to know their big people have got them, that their routine is set and that your boundaries and your word hold strong. Hold boundaries with kindness and no need to yell or shame but they don’t move.
Is your child sleeping well overnight? The best way to make a bedtime routine a good one is with a little one who isn’t grossly overtired. Sleep habits play a huge role in bedtimes. If you need help with this we are always here ❤️
