The Great Bedtime Battle: How We Finally Won
Introduction:
Does anyone else’s toddler treat bedtime like it’s a negotiation? For months, Frank had us wrapped around his little finger when it came to going to bed. But recently, we decided it was time to reclaim our evenings, and let me tell you—it was an epic battle.
Story:
Frank had all the classic stalling tactics down. “One more story!” “I need water!” “Where’s my stuffed Shark ?” Every night felt like a marathon of requests, and by the time he finally slept, I was ready to collapse. One night, my husband and I decided to stand our ground and implement a new bedtime routine that would be non-negotiable.
We used a visual chart to show Frank what each step of the bedtime routine looked like—bath, teeth brushing, two stories, cuddles, and then lights out. To our surprise, Frank loved pointing to each step on the chart and felt proud of following the routine. There were still nights where he tried to negotiate extra stories or another glass of water, but over time, bedtime became more peaceful. We’re far from perfect, but we’re getting there!
Takeaway:
Structure can be a game-changer for toddlers (and parents!). By setting clear boundaries with a dash of creativity, bedtime went from being a war zone to a more manageable part of the day. Consistency is key, even when it’s tough.
