Developing a nightly routine is the best thing you can do to make bed time easy for your toddler and for you.
Children learn through repetition. A child who is led through the same steps each night will quickly learn what is expected of them.
Start by establishing a time and letting your toddler know when the time is coming. Warn them an hour or so ahead of time that soon it will be time to put on pajamas and go to bed.
Then, it’s important to have some sort of transitional activity. Once your child is prepared for bed, read a story or watch a calming video. The point is to make the activity one that will put your child at ease and in the right mindset.
It’s also helpful if your child has a special stuffed animal or blanket that they sleep with each night to comfort them.
Some parents say that letting their child make the decisions at bedtime is helpful. Let your child pick out which pajama to wear and what story to read. This gives your toddler some control which at this age, they are looking to gain.
Lastly, whatever you do, avoid getting upset at bedtime battles. This tells your child that she has gained control and will only make it worse the next time. When your child fights bedtime and you have done each step properly, give her a hug and kiss, tuck her in and leave the room.
