The Real Reason Kids Fight Parents So Hard at Bedtime
sometimes help soothe a child to sleep. The music، calm melodic voice of a person reading or singing، or movement could all provide enough calming stimulation for the child’s body to calm down.”
Many young kids do not want to miss out on anything and are still actively curious and looking for stimulation. This could be why music، rocking، singing، and bedtime stories can sometimes help soothe a child to sleep.
Not surprisingly، consistency is key. If parents or caregivers deviate from the routine، this can lead to your child seeing bedtime as negotiable، according to Dr. Huerta. Once you’re on the same page، Dr. Hafeez offers this advice: “Delegate nightly bedtime routine tasks between you and your [partner]. This prevents you from getting burned out and encourages your child to feel safe and comfortable with both parents.”
Both experts tell us that slowing the separation process is another way to cut down on desperate protestations circa sleepytime. “Being alone with their energy، curiosities، thoughts، and emotions can feel overwhelming and lonely، yet it’s important for them to learn how to manage these as they continue to mature and grow،” Dr. Huerta says.
A more gradual goodbye facilitates far less friction after “one more story!” Dr. Hafeez suggests first “sitting beside their bed as they fall asleep، then moving to sit by the door، then eventually، to outside the room. Reassure them that they are safe، and you are close by if they have a bad dream.”
A transitional object like a special blanket that smells like you may also ease the tricky transition from being with you، to being by themselves.
Other tips to make bedtime less brutal include:
- Empower kids. This might look like asking your child to self-soothe in bed or take ownership of certain elements of the bedtime routine، such as picking out the story. “They will feel more grown up and capable when you encourage them to take on small responsibilities at a time،” Dr. Hafeez says.
