A Tiny Duck’s Guide to Tackling Toddler Separation Anxiety

Quack-quack, dear parents! Welcome back to the cozy corner of wisdom where we dive into the tumultuous waters of toddlerhood with grace and a sprinkle of humor. Today, we’re tackling a common challenge that can turn your bedtime routine into a bit of a pickle: toddler separation anxiety. Fear not, for we have our floaties on, ready to navigate these emotional waters with style.

Quality Time Before Dinner: A Recipe for Sweet Dreams

Quality time before dinner can set the stage for a smooth bedtime transition.

Engage in activities that help your toddler feel seen and heard. It could be as simple as playing their favorite game or creating a masterpiece with finger paints. By filling their love tanks before the day’s end, you’re creating a bedtime atmosphere that feels warm and comforting.

You Inspired Lovey

Giving your child the perfect lovey that reminds them of you will give them comfort as they drift off to dreamland. Pick out a soft t-shirt of yours, or a soft blanket that you snuggle with on the couch while reading to your child. You can even go to Build-a-Bear and add a voice box that whispers “I love you, sweet dreams”, or sings a lullabye to your little duck as they relax to sleep.

Predictable and Consistent Bedtime Routine: The Rocksteady Rhythm

Picture this: Your little one, pajama-clad and armed with a stuffed duck, waddling towards the bedroom with the confidence of a seasoned bedtime warrior. How do we achieve this bedtime bliss? The magic words are predictability and consistency.

Create a bedtime routine that’s as reliable as the sunrise. Whether it’s bath time, story time, or the ceremonial tucking in of the stuffed animals, make sure the order, timing and length remains the same. Consistency provides a sense of security, helping your toddler feel in control and ready to embrace bedtime. Being fully present, you’re not only creating cherished memories but also letting your toddler know that bedtime is a safe and comforting space.

In conclusion, dear parents, tackling toddler separation anxiety at bedtime requires a delicate dance of predictability, quality time, and undivided attention. Like a tiny duck gliding through the bedtime waters, your consistency and presence will guide your little one to the peaceful shores of dreamland. Remember, we’re all in this together – navigating the bedtime journey with a quack and a smile. Until next time, may your nights be peaceful and your dreams be as delightful as a pond full of rubber duckies! Quack on! 🦆💤

bedtime anxiety, separation anxiety at bedtime, Toddler Separation Anxiety

About The Author

Jennie

Jennie is a certified sleep consultant with a background in Child and Adolescent Studies who specializes in teaching toddlers and children to choose to stay in their open bed, fall asleep independently, and sleep through the night. After earning her Bachelor of Science in Child and Adolescent Studies, and spending time in the classroom, she decided to follow her passion and move to New York City to become a professional theatre actress. Between shows, she worked as a nanny. One family had a toddler that couldn’t fall asleep without help, he refused to nap and would wake-up multiple times a night. Frustrated by the lack of resources for toddler sleep issues she became a certified sleep consultant. Relying on her education and experience, she then created Week to Sleep geared for toddlers in an open bed.

Jennie has helped so many families across the country make bedtime easy and enjoyable. She has been featured on Mommy Mingle, Parentville, corporate Google, and buybuybaby. Jennie’s favorite part of working with families is when a toddler runs to their parents in the morning exclaiming, “I did it, I am SO proud of me!