How to Avoid Bedtime Battles

Even the cutest children can turn into extortionists after bedtime. "I'll stay in bed," they say, "if you give me juice. Or sing another lullaby. Or pick me up and carry me." Some even manage to turn nature into an accomplice: "I have to use the bathroom," they whine, knowing you'll concede. If you're tired of losing the battle, revamp your strategy. Use routine and consistency to show your little one you won't back down. If all else fails, employ your superpower: your ability to ignore his demands.

Instructions

    • 1

      Make your child stay in her bed. Some of the biggest bedtime battles are waged by children who would rather snuggle next to mom than sleep alone. If you̵7;re trying to get your little one used to her own space, consistency is key. Put her to sleep in her own bed; if she wakes in the middle of the night, get up and put her back. It might seem more convenient to let her sleep with you, but you̵7;ll establish a bad habit in the long run. If you remain consistent, your child will too -- eventually.

    • 2

      Create a fun bedtime routine so your child enjoys going to bed. Start with energetic play after his afternoon nap; follow it up with a nutritious and filling dinner, a warm bath with plenty of toys, cozy pajamas, a firm bed with soft covers and his favorite cuddle bears. Round out the evening with hugs and kisses, a few bedtime stories and perhaps a lullaby. Choose a soft night-light that is bright enough to keep the shadows at bay but not so bright that it keeps your child awake. If your household is still up after your child goes to sleep, play soft music or a nature sounds CD, or plug in a white noise machine so he won̵7;t be disturbed. The temperature and humidity of the room is also a factor for pleasant sleep; install a humidifier for dry winter months, and leave a fan on during hot summer months.

    • 3

      Put your child on a regular sleep schedule to avoid battles at bedtime. According to WebMD, children up to 6 years old require at least 12 hours of sleep per day. That means you need to get your child in bed early in the evening so he can benefit from a full night̵7;s rest. If your child still takes naps, make sure his nap time is early enough in the day that he̵7;s sleepy again at bedtime.

    • 4

      Get enough sleep yourself. Just like children, overtired adults are often cranky and irritable. If you̵7;re exhausted at the end of the day, you might rush your child through his bedtime routine -- which could set you up for a vicious cycle of frustration, rushing, resistance in your child and a choppy sleep routine. Also keep in mind that, if you don̵7;t get enough sleep at night, you̵7;re likely to oversleep in the morning. This can also throw off your child̵7;s sleep cycle.

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