The Epic Bedtime Battle: Why Your Toddler’s Meltdown Deserves an Oscar!

Hey there, weary yet resilient parents of tiny toddler ducklings!

As you venture into the whimsical world of toddlerhood, you’ve probably experienced a phenomenon that leaves you scratching your head and reaching for your earplugs—the legendary bedtime meltdown! It’s a performance worthy of an Oscar, and your toddler is the star of this dramatic show. But fear not, dear parents, for we’ve dived deep into the imaginative minds of these tiny terrors to unveil the secrets behind their theatrical bedtime breakdowns!

The Tangled Sheets Tango:

Oh, the dreaded sheets tangle! In your toddler’s mind, they’re stuck in a maze worthy of Indiana Jones, and bedtime becomes a thrilling adventure. Each corner of the bed is a booby trap waiting to ensnare their little feet. As they perform their dance of desperation, it’s almost as if they’re auditioning for “Toddler’s Got Talent!” Instead, switch to using a down comforter or a quilt- it is much easier for your toddler to cover themselves up rather than needing your help. 

The Epic Quest for the Perfect Stuffed Sidekick:

You’ve likely witnessed this quest firsthand, where your toddler insists on searching the entire house for their must-have stuffed sidekick. Whether it’s Mr. Snuggles, Princess Binky, or Captain Cuddles worth, it’s a mission of utmost importance! And once found, they ensure a royal spot in bed, resulting in an overcrowded sleep kingdom. Switch to one specific lovey or stuffed animal that is only used for bedtime. Take all of the other fur friends out of the bed to simplify the routine. 

The Unquenchable Thirst:

As bedtime approaches, your little one magically becomes a walking, talking water reservoir. Their thirst increases tenfold, and they suddenly feel the need to hydrate like camels in the desert. With each sip, they seem to wonder if they’re training for the Toddler Olympics in H2O guzzling! Instead, offer one last sip of water after bath, then tell your toddler more water is available to them in the morning. 

The Classic “One More Story” Dilemma:

This timeless bedtime classic deserves its own Netflix series! The demand for “one more story” becomes an insatiable desire, and you can’t help but marvel at their negotiation tactics. They could teach diplomats a thing or two about persuasive techniques!  No matter what- stick with 2 bed time stories. If they are wanting another book, let them know they can read it in the morning. 

The Bedtime Serenade:

As the bedtime routine progresses, your toddler transforms into a tiny rock star, ready to serenade you with their greatest hits. They might not have hit the right notes yet, but they sure know how to steal the show with their heartfelt performances! Stick with the same song , with the same words and same verse sung one time only at bedtime. Your toddler might ask for more, but stick with the same thing every night to make sure they know their boundary and in a few nights time they will stop asking for something different!

Conclusion:

Dear fellow parents, remember that these bedtime meltdowns don’t have to exist! Make sure you keep the exact same routine each night along with an early bedtime to ensure your toddler isn’t overtired.

One day, your tiny ducklings will trade their bedtime meltdowns for sleepovers and slumber parties, and you’ll find yourself reminiscing about the golden age of bedtime battles.

May the bedtime routine be ever in your favor! 🦆💤

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About The Author

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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!