Establishing Bedtime Boundaries for Toddlers
Toddlers are notorious for testing boundaries, a typical behavior at their age that can turn bedtime into a challenging ordeal. If your toddler is pushing limits at bedtime by requesting more books, numerous drinks, a different stuffed animal, or any delay tactic, it can prolong the bedtime routine for hours. Here are some helpful tips to navigate this situation:
Setting Boundaries:
- Establish a consistent bedtime routine tailored to your family’s needs, such as dinner, bath, pajamas, drink, story, and bedtime.
- Stick to the routine without deviating to avoid confusion for your toddler.
- Consider creating a visual schedule or a social story to help your child understand and follow the routine effectively.
Consistency Is Key:
- Once you have set the routine, maintain consistency by not giving in to additional requests.
- Avoid changing the boundaries to provide a clear understanding for your child.
- Your commitment as a parent to stick to the established routine is crucial for its success.
Role-Playing:
- Engage in role-playing with your toddler and their favorite toy to act out the bedtime routine, helping them grasp the expectations and process the routine effectively.
You can read more about why toddlers fight bedtime here.