Bed Time Negotiations
If you struggle with putting your toddler to bed, these may be some simple ideas you can try. If you have a routine and stick with consistency, we suggest having the kids feel like they are in charge, make some cards that they have to follow in order, and they can place them in order.
A great example of a simple bedtime routine includes:
Having them take a bath, get dried off, put on some jammies, brush their teeth, get them in bed, read their favorite book, and finally some hugs and kisses
Having routine cards can help even throughout the day.
Always doing some meditation, that could be as much as taking deep breaths. This will also give your child some tools to self-soothe themselves when they are worked up. Try some deep breathing exercises as well as counting and yoga!
Rules are good too. Make it only able to get out of bed one time, potty break, maybe an extra hug — one exception.
Rest and relaxation. If they fight you on it, keep calm, give them space, let them calm down. The louder they yell, the softer you speak. Give your child an incentive to follow the rules for bedtime.