Children will try to delay bedtime with any and every tactic they think might work. Let’s face it; as a child, sleep time is boring. The toys are put away, the lights are out, and all fun things are outlawed when it’s time to go to sleep. It’s not surprising that children suffer from a severe case of FOMO (fear of missing out) when it comes to bedtime.

Many parents share the same grievances when their child reaches toddlerhood. Endless pleas for one more book, a sudden need to go to the toilet, and still getting out of bed after they’ve been tucked in for the fourth time. These are techniques used by children that parents know of all too well.

These demands may go on until what seems like forever, affecting your child’s sleep and your rest. To make sure you nip these habits in the bud, you need to follow a stern routine and stick to your steps.

Here are some tips that might help you out:

Bed-Time Routine

Creating a relaxing bedtime routine will help your child wind down from the excitement of the day and will help ease them into a sleepy-time headspace. Start by preparing your child mentally for bedtime.

Take away all exciting toys and end stimulating activities at least half an hour before bed. Tell them how much time they have left to start getting ready for bed, so they are not caught off guard in the middle of play.

Go through the basics of changing into PJs, brushing teeth, and getting comfortable in bed. Encourage them to try relaxing bedtime activities like reading or talking about their favourite parts of the day with you. Creating a positive sleep environment will encourage your child to look forward to getting and being in bed.

To Nap or Not to Nap

As your child grows older, they require less sleep to remain rested. Afternoon naps are an excellent way to keep your little ones from getting cranky in the middle of the day, but be sure to check if these midday naps are doing more harm than good. If your child is fully awake mentally and physically when it’s time for bed, it might be possible that they are over-sleeping during the day or that their bedtime is too early.

Hold Your Ground

These delaying tactics are often a way for children to test their boundaries and see how much they can get away with. As long as your child is safe, it is important to stay firm on the rules you have put in place no matter how much the little ones try to pull at your heartstrings.

Do not be too harsh and ease them into the process. Listen to them but limit their demands. If you tell them you can only read them one more story, but you end up reading three extra ones, it will reinforce the idea that they can get things their way by insisting or throwing a tantrum.

Raising children is no small feat, and your children can sometimes get the best of you.

Introducing new routines in your child’s life might be difficult at first. Still, the key to achieving a good night’s sleep without any interruptions is to develop a plan and remain consistent and persistent with it.

Tiny Terrors provide kids behaviour support services to your raise your child in a healthy and positive environment. Our behaviour consultants can help you deal with any issues you are facing with your kids. Call us on 1300 00 14 14 to schedule an appointment and discuss your needs with our parenting experts.