| You are so excited. Your child is finally ready for a | | | | A warm bath will help your toddler calm down. Add a |
| toddler bed! Your child is so happy! Until......Bedtime! Your | | | | little lavender or chamomile oil to help your child relax. |
| sweet little angel turns into a monster right before your | | | | Don't add too many toys to keep him calm.oBrush |
| eyes! Toddler bedtime tantrums can be very | | | | teeth. Establish this healthy habit early on and it will |
| frustrating and can last for hours! There are some | | | | remain with them through school age years.oGo potty |
| parenting help tips available for putting your toddler to | | | | and get a drink. This is one of the most common |
| bed and getting back that sweet little angel at bedtime! | | | | culprits of bedtime issues. They always have to go to |
| The most important thing you can do for your toddler | | | | the bathroom or get a drink after they get into bed. |
| and your sanity is to establish a bedtime routine. | | | | Include this in their routine, and be firm about not going |
| Routines help children to feel safe and to learn their | | | | after getting into bed.oPut on pajamas. Let your child |
| boundaries. A routine can be anything you and your | | | | pick between two pair of pajamas. Make it their |
| child create. Make it fun and relaxing. The important | | | | choice.oBedtime stories are a child's favorite part of |
| thing is to be consistent. This is how your child will | | | | the bedtime routine. Children feel comfort from listening |
| know what to expect each and every night. Eventually, | | | | to your voice while trying to fall asleep. Try making up |
| the tantrums will go away, and bedtime will actually be | | | | stories and including family members as characters. |
| something he looks forward to. | | | | Reading to your child each night will help her develop a |
| Parenting tips for Establishing a Bedtime RoutineoGive | | | | creative mind and spark new interests.oSing a Lullaby. |
| your child a head's up that bedtime is in 15 minutes. If | | | | Do not worry about whether you can sing or not. To |
| they have an idea that it is coming up, they will not be | | | | your child, you are the best singer in the world. Singing |
| as shocked when it is bedtime. Try saying it will be | | | | a lullaby will calm him down and will make him feel |
| time for a story or bath in 15 minutes instead of saying | | | | secure in his home. Consider playing soft music.oSay |
| it is time for bed. Just the word bed can start a | | | | prayers. If this is a part of your nightly routine, you |
| tantrum. They will know what follows, if you have | | | | could say a prayer with your child and for your child. It |
| established a nightly routine.oRemind him in about 5 | | | | sometimes helps them feel safe when you pray for |
| minutes before story time or bath time. Have him help | | | | them.oChat with your child. Discuss what you two did |
| you pick up toys during this time each night. This will | | | | today and ask your child the best and worst things |
| help him prepare for the bedtime routine.oAs soon as it | | | | that happened today. Even toddlers have worries. If |
| is time, quietly tell him it is time for a story or bath and | | | | they can discuss this with you, it may help them get to |
| direct him to the bedroom or bathroom. Your toddler | | | | sleep.oSay goodnight in a special way. Create a |
| will likely try to come up with a million reasons why he | | | | special goodnight saying. Or give a special hug or |
| has to do something right now, but remain calm and | | | | butterfly kiss. This can be a special tradition that they |
| insist that it is time to go now.oBe firm and consistent | | | | can pass on to their children someday. It makes them |
| when it is time to start the routine. Most children will try | | | | feel special and loved. |
| to push the boundaries. Just do not give in. Your child is | | | | Sleep is important for everyone and even more so for |
| looking up to you to make the decisions that will impact | | | | children. When your child does not get enough sleep, it |
| his life.oDon't rush your child. Be sure to allow enough | | | | can affect every part of his day. It will make him |
| time for your child to be able to go through the entire | | | | grumpy and he will not be able to control his emotions |
| routine calmly. If you rush him, he will know that you | | | | very well. Be consistent in your bedtime routine. Make |
| are trying to get him into bed, and the routine will | | | | it special and unique. Make it something he will look |
| backfire into a tantrum. The routine should be about | | | | forward to at the end of the day. It takes a lot of |
| spending quiet quality time with your child.oGive a | | | | patience in the beginning, but your little angel will be |
| warm, soothing bath. This is one of the oldest | | | | back in no time at bedtime! |
| successful traditions to include in your bedtime routine. | | | | |