05/01/2025
Parents, does bedtime feel like a nightly battle? Here are actionable tips you can use to change nightly battles into easy nights. 💤🌙
What’s really happening when your child fights sleep:
✅ They love attention from their caregivers
✅ They are already overtired
✅ They have trouble managing executive function and emotions
✅ They would much rather play or keep doing what they were doing
Try these evidence-based approaches:
✅ Create a consistent, calming routine (30-60 minutes)
✅ Validate feelings: “I understand you want to play more. It’s hard to stop having fun.”
✅ Offer limited choices: “Would you like the blue or green pajamas tonight?”
✅ Use a visual schedule so expectations are clear
✅ Ensure their sleep environment is cool, comfortable, dark, and free of screens and devices
Remember, consistent, loving but firm responses to bedtime resistance help children develop healthy sleep associations, behaviour management, and emotional regulation skills.
Need more personalized support with sleep challenges? Join us May 14th for an in-person seminar on helping your child fall asleep and stay asleep. 😴
Comment “sleep” and we’ll send you the registration link!
