Set a wake up time and stick too it, even if the night has been tough. These measures work for children of all ages, and adults too! Let’s start with the background stuff that you can adjust to improve sleep! But your child is delaying going to bed, putting up a fight, they won’t stay in their cot or bed and you are just so exhausted. You won’t be rude with other people in the morning, and you won’t fall asleep in school.” You didn’t expect more of the same when your baby entered toddlerhood, though. #motivation #cbdcommunity #facts #shots Here's my very short and not exciting try of the Coastal Clouds Hemp gummies. So when they push back (because they will), stay calm, stick to the plan, and remember that this season is just that—a season. Kids thrive when they know what to expect and feel safe in the process. Typically though, about an hour before bedtime we should make sure the pace starts to wind down. Common points where we see bedtime battles are when they’re ready to drop naps. This can help avoid some bedtime battles. Tch Testing Weed Gummies And Drinking Beer Bud Light In this case, you may want to try moving bath earlier, or reading more gentle stories (about sleeping!), avoiding books with flaps and sounds. So your little one may tell you they should stay in bed, but doing it is actually another thing. Impulse control doesn’t start developing until about 3 and doesn’t fully develop until about 7 years of age! As I mentioned earlier, emotions can be heightened at night and when we’re really tired. ” to sudden hunger, thirst, and a deep fear of invisible monsters—kids have a million creative ways to delay bedtime. Did you know bedtime battles are one of the top parenting challenges worldwide? The goal isn’t to win every bedtime, but to create a rhythm that feels doable, loving, and—every now and again—a little bit magical. Check with your GP if your child’s sleep troubles stick around for more than a few weeks, or if you spot red flags like very loud snoring, breathing pauses, or daytime sleepiness. Travel, illness, daylight saving time—life loves to throw bedtime curveballs. If, as well as bedtime battles, you’re struggling with other sleep issues then I also offer a more comprehensive sleep package. Then gradually start to bring that bedtime forward by about 15 minutes every 3-4 days. For example, create a poster that lays out bedtime routine expectations (e.g., bath, pajamas, 2 books, a sip of water, 1 song, 1 big hug, 2 kisses, sleep until morning). After a few improved days of bedtime routine, plan a fun outing and explain that you are doing it because everyone is well rested. Remember, an escalated adult cannot calm and escalated child. Equally, avoiding screen time in the hour leading up to bed is great and avoids the melatonin issue discussed above. Also, it helps avoid that conflict where you feel like you’re saying “NO! Don't let her hop into bed with you, and try to stick as close to her normal bedtime routine as possible. Before bedtime, plug in a night light and give your little one a favorite stuffed animal to sleep with. That means a consistent schedule, a comforting bedtime routine and plenty of patience. You, on the other hand, are wiped — and long for the moment that your own sleepy head hits the sack. While I was still exhausted in the evening, I’d had pockets of rest during the day so it was easier to manage. Nap times weren’t for cleaning – they were my “me” time, when I watched tv and had a cuppa. This is because our body clocks are very sensitive to the light frequencies at these times. Additionally, exposure to light around the time the sun rises and sets is an important trigger for our circadian rhythm. Then negotiate with your partner so that one of you gets a lie in one day a week, and the other one gets a lie in on another day. Can’t bear the thought of getting up every day at 7 am? When they go through normal REM cycles and waking, they may think it’s time to get out of bed and go to their parents’ bed. As such, avoid giving your child chocolates or chocolate milk in the evening or bedtime. Children who have separation anxiety from their parents during the day may experience similar problems at night that cause them to get out of bed.” “In some cases,” Dr. Ibrahim says, “a child experiences separation anxiety or other anxieties at bedtime. Keep as calm and collected as possible during bedtime struggles. That way, you get your child to take responsibility as soon as they have some place they need to go. When kids begin pre-school or kindergarten, they should get an alarm clock. Any TV or DVDs watched by your child should be screened for mellowness and simplicity. Let’s set a timer for 5 minutes, then I’ll be back to read your bedtime story. Especially when bedtime battles are in play. They’re designed specifically for helping with bedtime battles! Then we need to set about taking some successful steps to make bedtime battles a thing of the past. So, having taken a look at the reasons why your child may be resisting bedtime above, now’s time to identify which ones could potentially be the culprits! Let’s set the frog (pick one of those silly kitchen timers) to 5 minutes and when it goes off, then it’s bath time! Choosing what your bedtime looks like and displaying them as a poster, on the wall, or as bunting. Priced at just £47, the 2 hour course guides you through everything needed to restore bedtimes. Neurodiverse children can sometimes struggle with transitions. A study published in Sleep Medicine found that consistent sound cues at bedtime help even stubborn sleepers nod off faster. Ever notice how bedtime delays peak right after dinner—usually when you’re halfway through cleaning up the kitchen? If your evenings currently feel like you’re herding caffeinated squirrels, don’t overhaul everything overnight. I can help re-establish good bedtime habits and provide tips on how to cope with inevitable nighttime disruptions. If the generic advice on bedtime battles isn’t helping, I’m here to help! Think of your bedtime routine as a calming playlist—same songs, same order. These methods focus on connection, routine, and just the right amount of fun—because when bedtime feels safe and predictable, kids are more likely to cooperate. Persistent bedtime trouble—difficulty falling asleep, frequent night-waking, loud snoring, or extreme anxiety—can sometimes signal an underlying issue. The blue light from tablets, TVs, and phones tells children’s brains it’s still daytime, which means their melatonin (the sleep hormone) takes a holiday. Discuss sleep changes as a family. Kids this age love to ask "WHY?" Use that curiosity as an opportunity to explain why sleep is so important! Once you have entered the land of “just one more” it can be hard to leave, as you tend to get in deeper and deeper each time you give in. Having her get the sleep she needs and instilling good sleep habits will help keep your little one healthy and happy as she grows. The toddler years are exciting, stressful, scary and full of discovery. The goal here isn’t perfection—it’s consistency. When they feel involved, they’re less likely to resist. You’re setting the tone for sleep, not a slumber party. It could look like bath, pajamas, storytime, cuddles, and lights out. If your child does well, and then regresses, go back to that same plan and repeat until the “burst” subsides. ” I think to myself, “Well, that’s why he won’t stay in his bed! The back and forth, questioning our decisions, etc. only give our kids the leverage they need to continue pushing against it. As you can see, this method works well if parents stay CONSISTENT and keep their emotions out of it. 64 of those trips back to his bed resulted in him hanging onto you with a vice grip until you pried him off and left the room. Free Parenting Tips Embrace the solution to peaceful nights and energized mornings for the whole family with Dr. Tim's. Each delicious bite combines gentle, non-habit-forming ingredients like melatonin, chamomile, and L-theanine to help you unwind, relax, and wake feeling refreshed. Quiet your mind and drift into restful sleep with our doctor-formulated Sleep Well Gummies. The key isn’t perfection—it’s showing up with love, clarity, and consistency. And yes, your child will test you. Yes, you’ll have off nights (because life). That builds trust and helps them feel more secure. This is basic behavioral training, and it’s effective in getting kids into the routine of waking up in the morning. No video games or computer a half hour before bedtime. I think as the house winds down before bedtime, there should be quiet time. It gives you the opportunity to have some one on one time and help your child relax and unwind from their busy day. Bedtime battles: how to have a calm, easy bedtime Some parents allow low music and others don’t. Again, that’s going to help them wind down, calm down and get them ready to sleep. If your child can wake up with the alarm, goes to school and is not rude or unpleasant, and he plays video games until midnight, if that doesn’t bother you, it doesn’t bother me. ” On a start chart, kids never lose. Sleep hygiene are measures that you can put in place to help sleep happen more easily. You need time to tidy up and perhaps even get an hour in front of the TV! Are you concerned that your child may physically hurt you or others? Has your child been diagnosed with oppositional defiant disorder (ODD)? A typical routine may include putting on PJs, brushing teeth and reading a book with you followed by kisses, goodnights and lights out.Stepping outside your child’s room for 5-10 minutes when it gets tough is imperative.Give her a few hugs and pats on the back and see if she falls back to sleep.Day to night being a key example.Also, it helps avoid that conflict where you feel like you’re saying “NO!It’s true that most toddlers’ body clocks are naturally set for early risings.This method, highlighted by paediatric sleep experts, gives kids a sense of power, but within boundaries.Just be sure to get the help you need so that your child learns good sleep habits early. Children thrive on routine, and bedtime is no exception. A conducive sleep environment is foundational for a peaceful bedtime. If you say, “It’s bedtime, please don’t cry,” they may cry only because you told him not to and it's their job at this age to be contrary. Bedtime Battles: Strategies for a Peaceful Night Do you struggle with disrespect or verbal abuse from your child? Get your FREE Personal Parenting Plan today. Frustrated and exhausted by your child's behavior? Having had severe behavioral problems himself as a child, he was inspired to focus on behavioral management professionally. Those terms are the elements for any discussion around your child meeting responsibilities or doing new things. Some of my favorites include, Things I Love About Bedtime, Why I Love Bedtime, and When It's Time for Bed, I Have a Plan. Explain that sleep gives us the energy to do fun things (park, soccer, swimming, dance, gymnastics, etc.). Compare sleep to food (our body needs healthy food to run and it also needs healthy sleep to learn and grow). For example, explain that sleep allows our body to stay healthy. Dr. Timothy McKnight is a physician with a passion for improving sleep and well-being.If the act of going to sleep gets prolonged because your child is not tired enough, consider moving bedtime to a later time to shorten the routine.”So your little one may tell you they should stay in bed, but doing it is actually another thing.If bedtime is a struggle now, don’t worry.A quick “worry time” in the afternoon—ten minutes to voice concerns or draw them on paper—can help keep them from bubbling over at bedtime.The next time he gets up, you spank him swiftly, tell him to stay in his bed and then you leave.He falls asleep after 30 minutes and wakes up 4 times in the night, each time taking 30 minutes to return to sleep while you lay next to him. Especially if it’s a sunny evening and there are a lot of people or older children outside playing. That being said, some children are scared sleeping in a dark room. Most children need a lot more exercise than we think (at least 2 hours a day). We all have sensory needs and meeting these needs in the lead up to bed time can improve our sleep! It's normal for your toddler to fight sleep — there's too much going on! Don’t wake your toddler if you see her wandering, but do guide her gently back to bed. But sleepwalking and sleep talking during the toddler years are fairly common, though both can be a sign of stress or too little sleep. Did you know bedtime battles are one of the top parenting challenges worldwide?The goal isn’t to win every bedtime, but to create a rhythm that feels doable, loving, and—every now and again—a little bit magical.Leave your phone in another room for 30 minutes and focus on giving your child your attention for that time.As a general rule, they’ll need about 6 hours of awake time after a nap (on a 1 nap day) before being tired enough for bed.Instead going to bed means they expect to mess around for an hour or two.Here are my top tips for turning bedtime from a battle ground into a calm, relaxing experience for everyone.Let your child help set up their space.When kids feel ownership over their space, they’re more likely to settle in peacefully.By waiting until they really are very tired, they fall asleep quickly and you reset this association. Toddler nightmares typically occur during the REM (light) stage of sleep. If your toddler is crying in her sleep or wakes up sobbing, go in and reassure her with minimal drama and talking. Instead she wakes up one, two or even several times during the night. Yes, your toddler needs 11 to 14 hours of sleep in a 24-hour period, including naps. I also recommend that parents check on kids at least once while the light is on before they go to sleep, as well. By the way, rules around bedtime with older teens are highly dependent on whether or not they get up on time in the morning. For younger kids under eleven, reading is a good way to fall asleep. For younger children with behavioral issues, I recommend that parents have what is known as a star chart. This is a GREAT time to spend some quality time with your child. Essentially, their sleep pressure has started to build up, so they are starting to get tired. There is also a really interesting mechanism that occurs in children called the “wake maintenance zone”. Dim the lights about 30 minutes before you want them asleep. Bedtime Battles Not Anymore Sleep Well Gummies By Dr TimHttps Wwwhlbenefitscom CbdgummiesreviewsAthletes Ready To Unlock Better Sleep Performance Link In Bio To Shop Slee Gummies Fyp2000 Mg Cbd Gummies Effects2day Sleep Challenge Rest Like Never Before Sleepgummies Melatonin. Keep choices minimal, use visual cues (like my bedtime flashcards), and avoid open-ended questions. Use my bedtime flashcards to help. Around 20–30 minutes works well for most children. Dr. Timothy McKnight is a physician with a passion for improving sleep and well-being. Loved by kids for their great taste and cherished by parents for the peace of mind they bring, our Sleepwell Gummies are free from artificial additives, non-GMO, and gluten-free. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Some children really need to burn off some steam. Also, if your child snores or is very sweaty at night – this can be a red flag and you should consult your medical professional. “I don’t want to go to bed Mummy! If you’re not completely happy with our Sleep Well Gummies, return them within 30 days for a full refund—no questions asked. Every supplement he formulates is based on the latest sleep science, ensuring that you can trust what you’re putting into your body. “As part of this development, it is not uncommon for toddlers to resist bedtime or want to draw out the process. Toddlers do best when they know what’s happening next, and that means setting up a soothing bedtime and naptime routine and then sticking to it as much as possible. I love helping families navigate bedtime battles! Alternatively, you may want to do bedtime with the kids as a team, and then tidy up as a team, and then sit on the sofa together! That means that for several years I was tackling bedtime on my own with two kids, one who is neurodivergent and the other one who was breastfeeding. I also went to bed fairly early and didn’t really watch tv in the evenings. It’s ok to go out and leave the other parent going solo a few nights a week – I’m talking specifically to the women here! Or you may want to give each other a couple of nights off – whether that’s for going to the gym, football practice or yoga class. You both don’t have to do everything I mentioned here. I solo parent 99% of the time as my husband works abroad. Some parents do not know that most chocolate contains caffeine. Ensure the content on the device is calm and soothing. Be sure to turn off the main lights, make the home dimmer, lower voices and reduce the noise level throughout the entire home to set the stage for going to sleep. It's about transforming the nightly struggle into a serene and cherished ritual, nurturing sleep and the bond between parent and child. Have your child decorate the poster, and read the sign together each night to solidify the routine. Or you both may decide to make an appointment so your toddler’s doctor can see if there’s some physical reason your child is having sleep troubles. Here are some simple tactics you can try to end bedtime struggles and get your little rebel to bed. Worse yet, a child may fear missing out on all the fun things others in the house are doing. Ensure that the environment is conducive for sleep. Together you can talk through the issues or decide to bring your child in. You’ll find that your child is much more willing to go to bed and fall asleep. Kids need to feel like they’ve had our full attention in the lead up to bedtime. If you don’t let it out at this stage, it’ll come out later on at bedtime. I hear you… it’s tough trying to hold out for a later bedtime! So, for example, say you’ve been putting your child to bed at 7 pm, but they aren’t actually falling asleep till 9 pm. Use visual timers, sand timers, or even your fingers to count down from five. Kids need time to shift gears, especially after playing, watching a show, or running around. Close the curtains, lower the lights, and create an environment that tells the body, “It’s time to rest.” A slightly cooler room (between 65–70°F) actually helps promote better sleep. Let your child help set up their space. Sometimes, just feeling heard can alleviate a child's anxieties and make bedtime smoother. Talk to your child about their day, worries, and resistance to bedtime. Let's embark on this gentle voyage together, turning bedtime battles into opportunities for connection, comfort, and calm. As the night descends and the world quiets down, parents everywhere face the universal challenge known as bedtime. Let’s just build it in to the routine, rather than try and avoid it altogether. Using a timer helps deflect things a bit. Want to have a silly 5 minutes and burn off some steam? I LOVE using a timer with this age group. Start the bedtime process early enough so your child can be asleep before overtiredness (and a bigger struggle) can set in. In general, if any toddler sleep problems are interfering with your day-to-day or making you worry excessively, it’s time to call your child’s pediatrician. When it comes to calming bedtime battles, few tools are as fun and effective as a simple step-by-step chart your child can actually see. That’s why one of the best ways to reduce bedtime battles is to set clear, calm expectations before the drama even starts. Are you dealing with toddlers and bedtime battles. Life is full of changes and disruptions—travel, illness, or family events can throw the best bedtime routines off track. Ensure your child gets enough physical activity during the day so they're naturally tired by bedtime. For many kids, baths can be an invigorating experience – lots of splashing and playing in a brightly lit room. The same elements in the same order every night. When they feel like we are freely available to them, they can fully rest. They need to feel like they’ve had all they need, plus a little bit more. I love “special time” as a way for really reconnecting. See All Sources Which means that these bedtime and naptime battles are worth fighting. "My 4-year-old has been fighting bedtime SO hard lately and being so defiant," says What to Expect Community parent jessmommyof3girls. I used to lie with my kids until they fell asleep. It’s perfectly ok to tag team – one parent tidies up, while the other one tackles bedtime. I know just how hard it is to juggle bedtimes. These are the children who really benefit from rough housing, or playing in the garden for a while after dinner. A lot of young children have a really strong vestibular need for movement – this may have been curtailed in a school setting. Children who are sensitive to noise and who have been in a noisy environment all day may need some quiet downtime to help reset this. If you allow your kids to break the rules, even once, they will know now that if they push and push they may get their way. You must consistently enforce whatever rules you create, so your kids know exactly what is expected. Let them choose their jammies and which stuffed animals to sleep with. Give them a say in the process to help them feel involved and empowered. A big part of “just one more” behavior stems from your toddler or preschooler wanting to exert their independence. One way to really help reset bedtimes is to go for a family walk after dinner! Getting lots of exposure to natural light really helps us sleep better at night time, as it helps to increase our production of melatonin. You’re mentally checking off all the things you need to do in the evening, you’re desperate for your kids to go to sleep at 7 pm. Store stimulating toys out of sight, and if you use nightlights, keep them soft and warm-toned. Loud toys, blinking lights, or screens can keep your child’s brain in “go” mode. Post it as a mini-schedule or picture chart on the wall so your child can follow along. Kids may push limits, but they do respond to logic—especially when it’s shared with love. Keep your tone warm and confident, like you’re inviting them into a plan you both can follow. You’re definitely not alone if your evenings feel more like negotiation tables than peaceful wind-downs. Sleep disorders among kids are rare, but worth ruling out if standard tricks aren’t moving the needle. Return to your routine as soon as you can, and remember—new habits can take a week or two to settle in. That’s not failure; it’s adjustment. If bedtime battles include “But I’m not tired!Some nights, the routine will be poetry in motion.Together you can talk through the issues or decide to bring your child in.With a few gentle, consistent techniques, you can turn those chaotic nights into calm, cozy moments you both look forward to.Keep as calm and collected as possible during bedtime struggles.So for example, don’t get them changed in a dark bedroom, then go back to the brightly lit bathroom to brush their teeth! As curious young children discover their world, they learn to enjoy new foods and new experiences. Dr. Ibrahim also recommends rewarding your child when he or she stays in bed successfully when using these tools. If you’re concerned that your child may have growing pains or RLS, be sure to consult a pediatrician. A smaller percentage of toddlers, an estimated 1 to 5 percent, have sleep apnea. Night terrors happen during the very deep, non-REM sleep phase, so it’s usually impossible to wake your tot up, even if she seems upset, or for her to remember what happened. That’s when your toddler’s brain is processing all the things that happened that day — including the scarier stuff, like seeing the big dog at the park or hearing loud traffic noises. My daughter is the queen of delayed bedtimes and bedtime battles. "Empower your child's health journey with McKnightMD's trusted Kids Wellness Solutions. Additionally, join our community today and make a positive impact on children's health worldwide." Now I take a gummy before bed and I’m asleep in no time! A “burst” is when a recently sleep trained child gets a wild hair and starts testing his boundaries again. He falls asleep quickly each time. Sometimes the roots of bedtime drama run deeper than “just not wanting to sleep.” Acknowledge feelings, but keep bedtime itself for comfort and winding down. A quick “worry time” in the afternoon—ten minutes to voice concerns or draw them on paper—can help keep them from bubbling over at bedtime. If bedtime is when worries or separation anxiety pop up, don’t brush them off. Aim for screens off at least 60 minutes before bedtime. He gets up again, you place him back into bed. He gets up, you place him back into bed. You sit outside his bedroom door ready for battle. This is not always a 3-day-or-less process. Keep in mind that there isn’t a timeline guarantee. You go to bed that night questioning where things went wrong, and unsure how to set things right. When he’s asleep, you leave quietly. He begins screaming like last night, holding onto you and refusing to get into bed without drama. You clean up the kitchen from dinner and go to bed feeling like maybe you went too far, and maybe this isn't the answer. Choices and Control: Empowering Your Child If you need to keep toys in the room then pop them in baskets or boxes before bedtime each night. They’re a perfect visual cue that it’s now time to sleep and the going to bed rule applies! I really love gro clocks (toddler clocks) and think they can be incredibly effective in this age group, especially when preschoolers resist bedtime. But, lowering the lighting after bath time can help prepare our body to recognise it’s nearly bedtime. He finally gives up and falls asleep after a 3-hour battle.Quiet your mind and drift into restful sleep with our doctor-formulated Sleep Well Gummies.The result is later bedtimes, overtired kids, and frustrated parents.You don’t need a full hour of playtime or deep conversation—just 10–15 minutes of focused, loving attention.This may feel like a long time but will help us move a bit quicker eventually.That’s more serious, as your toddler will temporarily stop breathing for a few seconds as she snores.But it’s those middle-of-the night sleep wreckers that are really wearing you down.It can start with fun and games, but then the delay tactics may start to appear….”Mummy, can I have another story? So for example, don’t get them changed in a dark bedroom, then go back to the brightly lit bathroom to brush their teeth! Think of a natural progression, so start in the living room, move to the bathroom, then the bedroom. When they feel like that, then they are much more likely to settle down calmly and without a fight. Toddlers and younger kids might like to put puzzles together, older kids maybe want to play a board game, or chat with parents. After a long day apart or a busy evening, they’re craving connection—and stalling bedtime is their way of saying, “I still need you.” One of the sneakiest reasons behind bedtime battles? Instead of flipping the bedtime switch out of nowhere, give them small, gentle cues that the day is coming to an end. Creating a sleep-friendly space won’t magically stop every bedtime struggle, but it sets the stage for success. No matter what you do, he continues climbing out of bed, fighting the program. So...you have a toddler who will NOT get it right. If your child has complaints about their legs, growing pains or restless leg syndrome (RLS) may to blame. If there is concern about soda drinking occurring beyond parental control, consider making soda inaccessible to the child. At dinner, make sure your toddler does not sneak in any sips of soda. If not, bring up the topic yourself to get your practitioner's insight into why your toddler won’t sleep. The pediatrician will probably ask about your tot’s sleeping habits during each well-child checkup. The What to Expect app is your guide to the toddler years, with expert-backed articles and tips from other parents. But it can’t hurt to get the doctor's take on how to get your toddler to sleep. Maybe there are developmental things going on — your child may be ready to drop naps altogether or skip the snack before bed. If that’s the case, don’t wait for the next checkup — call your child’s pediatrician. With others, it might be because they’re frightened of the dark, or afraid to go to sleep. For most of them, I think it’s because they’re afraid they’re going to miss something. Step-by-step instructions for tired parents like you! Keep repeating it over and over again until your child sees that you mean what you say regardless of what they try to do to change your mind. Whatever you're doing, keep doing it - even when it feels like it's not working. The truth is that there is no magic pill we can give our kids to help them figure it out and comply. He finally gives up and falls asleep after a 3-hour battle. The next time he gets up, you spank him swiftly, tell him to stay in his bed and then you leave. You celebrate with a glass of wine and go to bed feeling encouraged that what you set out to do is going to change things for the better. OUTLASTING your child's demands and endless disobedience is what will make the difference. Full Sleep Training Methods, Complete Nap and Bedtime Schedules for Newborn, Baby, and Toddler, Toddler to Teen Anxiety at Bedtime. Children love to be praised by their parents. When your child does a good job let them know it! This will allow them to have some independence in the areas that are acceptable and give them the feeling they still have some control. ” If your child says yes, then open the door. Of course, it’s important to knock on their door and say, “May I come in? It goes without saying that if your child is not complying, the cell phone stays with the parent. Many will already be in their bedroom talking on their cell phones and texting their friends. This could be a time where babies get some floor time, or perhaps a big long cluster feed. It can give them the release that they need from all that emotion that has built up during the day. Often, rather than jumping straight in with calming activities it can be really helpful to let them get their big emotions out! You’re exhausted and deserve some downtime too. Instead going to bed means they expect to mess around for an hour or two. If you’re not sure, try reducing sugar in the evening for a week and see if it helps with an an early bedtime and new routine. The likely scenario is that they don’t want to have a bath or get changed into their pyjamas (because it clearly indicates the start of bedtime!) Most parents will see this from time to time and we don’t want to turn bedtime into a power struggle. In this case, you may want to try moving bath earlier, or reading more gentle stories (about sleeping!), avoiding books with flaps and sounds.At dinner, make sure your toddler does not sneak in any sips of soda.Give the gift of restful sleep and joyful awakenings with every gummy.Have your child decorate the poster, and read the sign together each night to solidify the routine.Sometimes the roots of bedtime drama run deeper than “just not wanting to sleep.”You must consistently enforce whatever rules you create, so your kids know exactly what is expected.Many will already be in their bedroom talking on their cell phones and texting their friends. A predictable routine is one of the easiest, gentlest ways to ease bedtime battles and bring a little peace back to your evenings. In this article, you’ll find 7 practical, parent-approved strategies to ease bedtime battles and create a smoother nighttime flow. For families whose children treat bedtime like a revolving door (just one more drink! now I need to wee! do you think unicorns exist?), the bedtime pass works wonders. Trust me, you don’t want to see what happens when bedtime turns into a conga line led by a child on a sugar high. Most children treat bedtime like an injustice of Shakespearean proportions. With daylight saving time, we spring ahead – but losing an hour of sleep can cause problems for both parents and children. If the act of going to sleep gets prolonged because your child is not tired enough, consider moving bedtime to a later time to shorten the routine.” Make sure your tone is firm but warm so as to keep your child accountable when moving through the bedtime routine. When you impose a predictable, repeated bedtime routine, your child knows what is expected of them. But as long as you’re consistent and establish a good bedtime routine that you can stick to, progress will happen. And if these struggles are a nightly event, they’re probably interfering with your ability to wind down and get Zzzs yourself. For one, your stress can make your toddler’s defiance even worse, which then turns into a vicious cycle. Yes, it may get derailed by vacations and illnesses, but you want to get back on track as soon as you get home or your toddler gets well. There’s a long list of reasons, ranging from typical toddler defiance to temporary problems like teething, the sniffles, or a brand new babysitter. One of the kindest tricks you can play is to make the pre-bed routine so comforting and predictable that the resistance melts away. Busy parents, let’s get those little eyelids fluttering shut without the nightly showdown. Pre Black Friday Sale - JustCBDThe time to stock up on gifts is here with our Pre Black Friday Sale. “Go to Bed NOW!” Winning the Bedtime Battle with Young Kids and Teens It’s exhausting enough to deal with the constant wrangling and pleading when your toddler balks at bedtime. Bedtime battles might feel like a nightly tradition, but they don’t have to be. “I know you want another book, but it’s bedtime now. It’s the not-so-secret sauce that turns bedtime battles into bedtime peace. This chart isn’t about making bedtime rigid—it’s about making it clear. He also wakes up 2 times in the night and climbs into your bed. He cries and gets up 6 more times before falling back to sleep in his bed. He falls asleep after crying for 15 minutes after the 57th trip back. I feel for kiddies in this age group. Take a spare moment to think about your child’s room. I love toddler clocks so much, I even dedicated a whole new blog post to them here. Stick on your best acting face and re-enter when calmer. Using quieter, indoor voices and trying to speak calmly is helpful. If they don’t accomplish a certain goal, they don’t lose a star—they just don’t gain one. So you won’t have him saying, “I’ve already ruined my day, why should I try? The daily reward might be some extra video game time or the ability to stay up half-an-hour later. Like they go have an ice cream cone with dad, or go to a movie with both parents. So what happens is that if your child goes to the bathroom and follows good hygiene, he gets a star. Sure, it may take a few days to get in place but when it is, and they know the steps inside out the battles become fewer. Often, especially when boundaries are being tested, moving towards a consistent routine is best all round. You can also check out my Bedtime Battles Course! Day to night being a key example. Equally, there are some medical and developmental conditions that can affect sleep. If that sounds impossible, start with 15 minutes earlier than usual, and work backwards week by week.If your child likes reading, read books about sleep.When your child does a good job let them know it!Another shout out for my bedtime flashcards and pop them in!But some are more challenging and might even require a check-in with the pediatrician to find out why your toddler won’t sleep.If you’re introducing a new routine, expect a spike in complaints for a few nights.Get your FREE Personal Parenting Plan today. If you are expecting them to wake up at 7 am, well… 7 pm may just not be a realistic bedtime. You’ll see that for kids under the age of 18 months, a 12 hour night in bed is rare. However, a lot of kids can’t sleep for 12 hours in bed. And clearly, for those of us who want to sit on the sofa with snacks while watching TV, an earlier bedtime is tempting. We often think that an earlier bedtime is better. One of the biggest causes of bedtime battles is the sudden shift from fun to sleep. Have a calm conversation during the day (not at bedtime!) to agree on the plan together. When bedtime feels fuzzy or flexible, kids test boundaries to see what they can get away with. No yelling, no bribes, and no magical sleep dust required—just thoughtful tweaks that work with your child’s rhythm. With a few gentle, consistent techniques, you can turn those chaotic nights into calm, cozy moments you both look forward to. Some nights, the routine will be poetry in motion. These cues help trigger the same sleepy feelings, even in a different location. If you’re away from home, bring a familiar blanket, sleep toy, or even a pillowcase. I’m saying don’t make it unpleasant by looking for an argument. Realize that the problem-solving skills of younger kids are less evolved; they often have problems with impulsivity and frustration control. In other words, the focus should be on your child learning how to manage himself through meeting his responsibilities and not on your child learning to manage you through power plays. My advice is that you try not to personalize it and instead, realize that this is a matter of your child meeting their responsibilities. Try using my bedtime routine flashcards in your child’s bedroom. So it’s not perfect in this house either, but here’s some fab tips about getting back on track if you feel bedtime battles are getting too much). He falls asleep after 30 minutes and wakes up 4 times in the night, each time taking 30 minutes to return to sleep while you lay next to him. This is not always a 3-day-or-less process.OUTLASTING your child's demands and endless disobedience is what will make the difference.So it’s not perfect in this house either, but here’s some fab tips about getting back on track if you feel bedtime battles are getting too much).Common objections to bedtime include “I’m hungry,” “I’m thirsty,” and “I want another movie.” Try to address all these wants before moving to the bedroom.This is exactly what’s expected of a toddler who isn’t getting what he wants, but has seen his efforts pay off in the past.If they say no, then say, “OK, I’ll be back in 5 minutes.” Checking on your kids, even adolescents, lets them know that you’re concerned about what they’re doing and care about their health and safety.Does your child have a million reasons to keep you in their bedroom or do they come to find you multiple times after you said your goodnights? Give her a few hugs and pats on the back and see if she falls back to sleep. It’s true that most toddlers’ body clocks are naturally set for early risings. Your toddler gets up at dawn’s first light and wants to greet the morning with some company (that would be you!). Sometimes she's just not tired — and other times, she's too tired. Is your toddler just being stubborn, or is something else going on? If bedtime is a struggle now, don’t worry. Your child needs to know exactly what bedtime looks like—and what it doesn’t. Let’s be real—kids are expert negotiators, especially at bedtime. Start the wind-down at least 30–45 minutes before bedtime. So, take a deep breath, grab the bedtime book (again), and get ready to say goodnight without the nightly showdown. Some children really do react to them more than others. Clients have said to me that their little one has said “But Mummy, I don’t know how to go to sleep”… Aw poppet. Stepping outside your child’s room for 5-10 minutes when it gets tough is imperative. So even if you’re reaching your limit inside, you’re going to have to model the calm, controlled parent! If bedtime is too late your child can go into an overtired state and get a 2nd wind. Does your child have a million reasons to keep you in their bedroom or do they come to find you multiple times after you said your goodnights? Is your toddler stalling at bedtime? Read on to learn why your toddler won’t sleep — and how to work around your tot’s fight to stay up. Kids who don’t get the sleep their growing bodies and minds need are crankier, more easily frustrated, and not as healthy as their well-rested peers. But toddlers need their shut-eye — between 11 and 14 hours a day, including naps. Here's to peaceful nights and joyous mornings, dreams dreamt in the arms of safety, and the gentle, unwavering rhythm of love that bedtime can embody. Offer your child simple choices related to bedtime. If you're implementing new bedtime rules or routines, do it gradually. Offer reassurance, a comforting night light, or even a 'monster spray' to banish bedtime fears. It’s a playful, empowering way to help your child take charge of their own routine… and sail through bedtime with fewer battles and more smiles. It also turns the bedtime routine into a mini “game,” which makes everything more fun. Connection before sleep isn’t a delay tactic—it’s a bedtime secret weapon. When your child knows they’ll get this special moment with you every night, they’re less likely to resist bedtime. That’s why one of the gentlest and most effective ways to reduce bedtime battles is to fill their connection cup before saying goodnight. If specific bedtime rules are set, it's essential to stick to them, offering gentle but firm reminders.For example, explain that sleep allows our body to stay healthy.Your child for example may find bath time or books and reading time quite fun!As such, avoid giving your child chocolates or chocolate milk in the evening or bedtime.That means that for several years I was tackling bedtime on my own with two kids, one who is neurodivergent and the other one who was breastfeeding.So, for example, say you’ve been putting your child to bed at 7 pm, but they aren’t actually falling asleep till 9 pm.Your child gets out of bed repeatedly within 10-minutes of putting him down for the night.No yelling, no bribes, and no magical sleep dust required—just thoughtful tweaks that work with your child’s rhythm. The key is calm, predictable responses. Some kids need extra winding down, others thrive on a firm cut-off. Consider your child’s personality. Did the day include more screens than usual? You think about how he’s alone, in the dark, crying, probably feeling rejected. Then, he says something that gets your attention, “Mommy, I’m scared.” You think back to the spanking from the night before. He's being disobedient and that is not to be tolerated. You sit down outside his door, shaking and feeling defeated already. First of all, as in any power struggle, we don’t want to engage in a fight if we can possibly avoid it. The focus should be on your child learning how to manage himself through meeting his responsibilities and not on your child learning to manage you through power plays. If you’ve ruled out fear of the dark, fear of bedwetting, and fear of not waking up, that leaves us with oppositional behavioral issues—the power struggle. And for some kids, they simply want to be in control. I totally get that this section may not be what you want to hear, but… the number one reason I see for bedtime battles? For some kids, this can all contribute to the bedroom feeling like a “wake up” zone, rather than a “settle down to sleep” zone. You don’t want your child to go to bed and then see a toy that sparks their imagination and has them wanting to play instead of sleep. It means that the rest of your day will fall into a pattern and you are much more likely to get a regular bedtime. Here are my top tips for turning bedtime from a battle ground into a calm, relaxing experience for everyone.