Twas the night before Christmas and all through the house not a creature was stirring… except for your child.
Having trouble getting your child to go to bed and stay in bed? You are not alone! Most parents can relate to the battle of getting their child to sleep when they do. You have likely heard your child say “but I am not tired” or “just one more bedtime story, or TV show, or game,” you name it.
You may not feel confident in setting limits around bedtime because you are too tired to enter a power struggle with your child or because you feel guilty for not spending more time with your child at night and worry that they will think you don’t love them if you say no to one more activity together.
It is important to remember that sleep is the necessary fuel that keeps your parenting motor going and allows you to be there for your children during the day so that you can share positive time together. By setting effective boundaries, you can avoid the power struggle and teach your children healthy sleep habits that will help them as they grow into adulthood. Use this time as a time to experiment with what is most soothing for your child at bedtime. Some kids enjoy night lights while others prefer the dark. Some like heavy weighted blankets while others may prefer light and soft sheets.
Tip #1: Establish a bedtime routine
Get out your craft supplies and sit down with your child to craft a Bedtime Routine Chart (e.g. Take a bath, brush your teeth, put on jammies, story time, hugs <3) that will provide predictability, safety, and reasurance to their night.
Tip #2: Practice bedtime behaviors at other times of the day
Play pretend with your child and role play to build awareness of bed time rituals and confidence in remembering the routine when they are not feeling tired and cranky.
Tip #3: Avoid Power Struggles
Use kind and firm language to tuck your child in. Instead of saying “Santa will know if you are awake and won’t bring you any presents” (Yes, I am sure we have all thought it) try saying “You don’t want to go to bed yet, and it is time for bed.” Be careful to notice your own feelings and tone of voice when you say this. If you are feeling annoyed, it is hard to be warm.
