Easy Ways That You Can Turn Bedtime Battles Into Positive Times of Connection
I think it’s safe to say that I’m not the only toddler mom who experiences some bedtime battles that could literally drive one to want to put themselves to sleep after the experience. Toddlers are finicky creatures who want things done their way and they want it done right now. This newly independent attitude can lead to power struggles between us and them, ones that can sometimes lead to a full blown battle with tears from both parties.
Let me be the first one to admit that I have had these battles with every single one of my children and I’m not saying that you can avoid them completely at all times, but when it comes to bedtime with your toddler I can assure you that these battles can actually be positive times to connect instead. How, you ask? You take what could be a battle and have fun with it instead! When you do that you will see that what could have been a bad experience for both of you actually turns into a positive one that can build the bond that you have and possibly even make it stronger.
Easy Ways To Turn Bedtime Battles Into Positive Times of Connection
If your toddler is fighting you on every little thing concerning bedtime, my best advice would be to just let it go. Have fun and join in instead! This will help you to take a battle and alternatively create a positive time of connection with them, which can strengthen the bond you already have!
Here are some common bedtime battles and ways you can turn them into positive times of connection:
Child doesn’t want to take a bath? —> Put some bubbles in the bath and have fun blowing them at each other, or use them to make fake beards on your face!
Toddler is blowing bubbles with their toothpaste instead of brushing their teeth? —> Grab your toothbrush and blow bubbles with them and then get them to copy you while your brush your teeth.
Child doesn’t want to put their pyjamas on? —> No problem! Let them go to bed without any pyjamas on and give them a warmer sleep sack for the night.
Toddler doesn’t want to actually read the book he picked? —> That’s okay! Get him to flip through the pages and you can point to the pictures and make up your own story!
Toddler is scared of monsters and doesn’t want to get in bed? —> Make a monster spray! Grab a spray bottle, fill it with water and get your child to spray all the places of their room that they would like to spray. Tell them they sprayed all the monsters away and they have nothing to worry about!
What If It Doesn’t Work?
When you can turn bedtime battles into times of connection instead, you will see the difference this makes in both of your lives! Does this mean that every single battle will turn into a positive time of connection instead? No, not always. There will always be days where nothing seems to work and that is okay too! We all have our bad days and there is absolutely nothing wrong with that. So, if you try to turn a battle into a positive time of connection and it doesn’t work, fear not! Let it go and remember that tomorrow is a new day and you can try again then!
If you liked this blog, please be sure to share it with other parents who may find it helpful. Spread the love! If you want more sleep tips and tricks from me, come join my sleep group called Sleep Little One where I give weekly sleep tips and advice to exhausted parents, like yourself, who are in need. I hope to see you there!!
If you’re looking for a more individualized 1:1 plan for your little one, I can help with that too! I have some amazing packages I offer that are sure to suit your specific little one’s needs so that you can all get on the road to better sleep. Not only do I come up with a plan for your particular little one, but I also will be there to help you along the way with any issues that arise and to congratulate you when you succeed! I will help your little one start sleeping better, be your guide along the way and help you succeed on this sleep training journey so you always know what to do if future issues arise! So what are you waiting for? Let’s get you on the road to better sleep!
