How to get your toddler in bed on time
I am a stickler for routine and getting my toddler in bed on time. So by the time my newborns are 2 weeks old they are usually already sleeping through the night. And usually, I can time each waking moment, feeding time, nappy change and play time.
This often works a treat but on occassion, the routine is unsettled and that leaves the child unsettled also. The most common reason is usually due to illness or maybe you’ve had a family outing that has broken the normal bedtime rhythm.
Quality time for Ieremia and I is extremely important, and I know that as parents we all too often forget to make the time for our relationships and continue in the Mummy / Daddy mode. Time to yourself is important, if only to take a breather, reflect on your day and prepare for the next day. This precious time is most often found when your child is asleep.
Sleep usually provides that much needed break
Here’s a few of our tricks to ensure a stress free and child free evening.
An hour before bedtime, start winding down the day for your child. Let them know that bedtime is near and mark it with something that you will easily be able to do every night. Having a bath or getting into pyjamas is a great way to indicate to your child that this is the beginning of the night time wind down. That way when the shower is turned on or their clothes are changed, they know what will usually come next. If there is some resistance remember to explain why bedtime is required and continue with reading a book or picking a favourite toy to sleep with. I find that reading a book under dim light is a gentle path into noddy land for your little one.
By nature I have very little patience so after the book is read its time for kisses, cuddles and lights out. In our household its called “dark time” but once the lights are turned off its the final indication to the child that it is bedtime.
If your child does not settle and comes out of bed, take them back to bed immediately. Don’t be tempted to snuggle up on the couch until they fall asleep, this will cause them to want to do this every night. It is bedtime so back to bed they go. You may want to sit beside their bed for a little time to reassure them that all is fine but be firm, let them know it is bedtime. Even when the water works start, stay firm and stick to returning your child to bed. This is key to having your toddler in bed on time.
It may even turn into a tantrum but after a while your toddler will tire, for if you stick to a routine, they are tired and eventually sleep will come. Even if its after a huge tantrum, this can turn to your favour for afterwards, your toddler will fall into an exhausted heap on the floor.
I know that at the time you are going through these difficulties it is hard. I have been there often. But you need to be strong with yourself, to know that what you are doing is right.
In the long run, getting your toddler in bed on time, is beneficial to both you and your partner. Remember that as a toddler deep, uninterrupted sleep is the best thing for your child. When they wake in the morning they are well rested, full of energy and ready for a new day of learning and adventures.
I do beleive that getting your toddler in bed on time, helps sets a lifelong pattern of healthy sleep, reaping lifelong benefits for your toddler, and a more healthy balanced life in your relationship with your partner, and with your child.
All children are angels when they are asleep
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