Parenting Help for Toddler Tantrums at Bedtime

You are so excited. Your child is finally ready for a toddler bed! Your child is so happy! UntilÂ…Â…Bedtime! Your sweet little angel turns into a monster right before your eyes! Toddler bedtime tantrums can be very frustrating and can last for hours! There are some parenting help tips available for putting your toddler to bed and getting back that sweet little angel at bedtime! The most important thing you can do for your toddler and your sanity is to establish a bedtime routine. Routines help children to feel safe and to learn their boundaries. A routine can be anything you and your child create. Make it fun and relaxing. The important thing is to be consistent. This is how your child will know what to expect each and every night. Eventually, the tantrums will go away, and bedtime will actually be something he looks forward to.

Parenting tips for Establishing a Bedtime Routine

•Give your child a head’s up that bedtime is in 15 minutes. If they have an idea that it is coming up, they will not be as shocked when it is bedtime. Try saying it will be time for a story or bath in 15 minutes instead of saying it is time for bed. Just the word bed can start a tantrum. They will know what follows, if you have established a nightly routine.

•Remind him in about 5 minutes before story time or bath time. Have him help you pick up toys during this time each night. This will help him prepare for the bedtime routine.

•As soon as it is time, quietly tell him it is time for a story or bath and direct him to the bedroom or bathroom. Your toddler will likely try to come up with a million reasons why he has to do something right now, but remain calm and insist that it is time to go now.

•Be firm and consistent when it is time to start the routine. Most children will try to push the boundaries. Just do not give in. Your child is looking up to you to make the decisions that will impact his life.

•Don’t rush your child. Be sure to allow enough time for your child to be able to go through the entire routine calmly. If you rush him, he will know that you are trying to get him into bed, and the routine will backfire into a tantrum. The routine should be about spending quiet quality time with your child.

•Give a warm, soothing bath. This is one of the oldest successful traditions to include in your bedtime routine. A warm bath will help your toddler calm down. Add a little lavender or chamomile oil to help your child relax. Don’t add too many toys to keep him calm.

•Brush teeth. Establish this healthy habit early on and it will remain with them through school age years.

•Go potty and get a drink. This is one of the most common culprits of bedtime issues. They always have to go to the bathroom or get a drink after they get into bed. Include this in their routine, and be firm about not going after getting into bed.

•Put on pajamas. Let your child pick between two pair of pajamas. Make it their choice.

•Bedtime stories are a child’s favorite part of the bedtime routine. Children feel comfort from listening to your voice while trying to fall asleep. Try making up stories and including family members as characters. Reading to your child each night will help her develop a creative mind and spark new interests.

•Sing a Lullaby. Do not worry about whether you can sing or not. To your child, you are the best singer in the world. Singing a lullaby will calm him down and will make him feel secure in his home. Consider playing soft music.

•Say prayers. If this is a part of your nightly routine, you could say a prayer with your child and for your child. It sometimes helps them feel safe when you pray for them.

•Chat with your child. Discuss what you two did today and ask your child the best and worst things that happened today. Even toddlers have worries. If they can discuss this with you, it may help them get to sleep.

•Say goodnight in a special way. Create a special goodnight saying. Or give a special hug or butterfly kiss. This can be a special tradition that they can pass on to their children someday. It makes them feel special and loved.

Sleep is important for everyone and even more so for children. When your child does not get enough sleep, it can affect every part of his day. It will make him grumpy and he will not be able to control his emotions very well. Be consistent in your bedtime routine. Make it special and unique. Make it something he will look forward to at the end of the day. It takes a lot of patience in the beginning, but your little angel will be back in no time at bedtime!

Dawn Lambie, mother of four and author. If you would like more free information on babies and toddlers, visit http://www.diaperyears.blogspot.com

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