How to Handle Your Toddler’s Bedtime Stalling

Most parents will agree that bedtime stalling is a common occurrence when dealing with toddlers. When it comes to a good night’s rest for both you and them, it can be tricky to know how to handle these situations. From introducing a consistent routine to healthy distraction techniques, knowing how to handle your toddler’s bedtime stalling can make a huge difference.

Given that most toddlers struggle with communication skills at this age, it can be incredibly frustrating for both parents and children. With a few changes to the bedtime routine and an understanding of the importance of sleep for their wellbeing, bedtime stalling can become a thing of the past.

By using helpful and encouraging strategies, the process of bedtime can become something that is predictable and consistent. Whether it’s reinforcing technique, or more positive forms of distraction that can help put an end to potential bedtime stalling.

Set Up a Consistent Bedtime Routine

Setting up a consistent and reassuring bedtime routine as early as possible can be hugely beneficial for your toddler. This will not only provide a sense of structure and security but will also remove the struggle of negotiating and discussing the bedtime process.

Setting a regular bedtime routine also allows you to manage expectations for your toddler. From knowing when it’s time to have a bath to brush their teeth and read a book, having this routine can provide familiarity and understanding, lessening the odds of stalling.

Introduce Positive Distractions

Sometimes bedtime stalling can come down to simple child’s play. If your toddler is having difficulty getting ready for bed, introduce some positive distraction techniques to help get them to bed without any fuss.

This could involve playing a game or introducing a calming activity like reading a book together. Encourage them to pick out a selection of stories so they have some control over the process. This can help them understand the boundaries of their bedtime while also giving them something to look forward to.

Giving them control over something amid their bedtime routine can lead to feelings of empowerment. By making the bedtime process fun and empowering, you can encourage your toddler to engage more positively with the process.

Introduce Reinforcement

While the idea of reward and punishment may feel a little uncomfortable, sometimes it can be necessary in times of bedtime stalling. By introducing rewards once the bedtime process is complete – such as allowing an extra story or an extra ten minutes of bed time—can provide a reward for your toddler and help reinforce the importance of a regular bedtime routine.

Using These Strategies

• Create a calming and consistent bedtime routine.
• Introduce positive distractions to transition towards bedtime.
• Introduce reinforcement techniques to reward positive bedtime behaviour.
• Be patient and understanding of the process.

Conclusion

Dealing with bedtime stalling can be tricky for parents as they navigate the process of implementing good sleep habits for their children. By understanding the importance of a regular and consistent bedtime routine, introducing positive distractions to help transition to bed, and reinforcing positive behaviour, parents can handle any bedtime stalling their toddler may put up.