If bedtime is a constant battle between you and your toddler, remember that creating a power struggle is not the answer. Instead, stay consistent and put your child to bed at the same time every night. This way, your toddler will realize that you are not being lenient on the issue and discover that when you tell him to go to sleep in his own bed, you mean business. When bedtime problems become a thing of the past, you and your toddler can begin to enjoy bedtime as a chance to spend time together.
Step 1
Follow a bedtime regimen and stick to it. If your child has no idea what to expect at bedtime, he will try to push the boundaries as much as possible. Instead, give your child a routine, like a bath, a story and hugs and kisses, so he can anticipate what is coming next, recommends Susan Brody in Parents magazine.
Step 2
Return your child back to bed if she goes into your bedroom, suggests the Mayo Clinic. If your child comes into your room in the middle of the night, do not let her crawl into bed with you. Instead, calmly return your child to her own bed and say, "It's bedtime." Continue to return your child to bed as many times as necessary until she falls asleep.
Step 3
Arm your child with tools to make him feel safe at night. If your child is afraid of the dark, give your child a small flashlight so he can check out any suspicious noises. If your toddler is scared of monsters under the bed, give him a spray bottle of water and call it "monster spray." Instruct your toddler to spray under the bed to get rid of monsters.
Step 4
Keep the door to your child's room slightly open. If your child feels safer with the door open, keep the door ajar to make him feel more comfortable.
Step 5
Check on your child if she cries or throws a tantrum, but wait a few seconds to allow your child to work her problems out on her own before comforting her, recommends Dr. Judith Owens, director of the Pediatric Sleep Disorders Clinic at Hasbro Children's Hospital, in Parents magazine.
Tips and Warnings
- If your child gets out of bed often, keep a nightlight on in the hallway to prevent your child from injuring herself.
- Consult a doctor if your child has frequent nightmares or is unable to sleep at night.
Things You'll Need
- Flashlight
- Spray bottle
