How to handle bedtime tantrums and meltdowns

It’s no secret that bedtime can be a struggle for both kids and parents. After a long day of learning and playing, children may not want to go to bed when it’s time. This can lead to bedtime tantrums and meltdowns that can make bedtime even more stressful.

Fortunately, there are some things you can do to help ease the transition into sleep. With a little patience and preparation, you can help your child (and yourself!) get a good night’s sleep.

Here are 15 tips on how to handle bedtime tantrums and meltdowns:

1. Try to keep a routine.

A regular bedtime routine can help signal to your child that it’s time to wind down for the night. A routine might include a bath, story time, and/or quiet time before bed.

2. Start the routine early.

If you start the bedtime routine too late, your child may be too tired and cranky to cooperate. Try starting the routine 30 minutes to an hour before actual bedtime.

3. Be consistent.

It’s important to be consistent with your child’s bedtime routine. If you sometimes let them stay up later or skip parts of the routine, they may start to expect that every night.

4. Don’t make promises you can’t keep.

If you tell your child that they can stay up if they behave, but then they don’t end up behaving, this can create a power struggle. It’s important to only make promises that you can keep.

5. Give warnings.

Let your child know when it’s time to start the bedtime routine so they can mentally prepare for it. For example, you might say, “In 10 minutes it will be time to take a bath.”

6. Use a timer.

If your child is resistant to bedtime, try using a timer to help them understand how much time they have left. For example, you might set a timer for 20 minutes and tell them they can read until the timer goes off.

7. Let them choose their own books.

Giving your child some control over their bedtime routine can help make it more enjoyable for them. Let them choose which books they want to read before bed.

8. Offer choices.

If your child is resistant to going to bed, try offering them some choices. For example, you might say, “Do you want to put your pajamas on now or in 5 minutes?”

9. Give hugs and kisses.

End the bedtime routine with some loving physical affection. This can help your child feel comforted and loved as they go to sleep.

10. Use positive reinforcement.

If your child cooperates during the bedtime routine, be sure to praise them for their good behavior. This positive reinforcement will encourage them to keep up the good work.

11. Don’t give in.

If your child tantrums or melts down, don’t give in to their demands. This will only reinforce the behavior and make it more likely to happen again.

12. Keep calm.

It can be difficult to keep your cool when your child is throwing a tantrum, but it’s important to try. If you get angry, it will only escalate the situation.

13. Ignore non-compliant behavior.

If your child is acting out, try to ignore their non-compliant behavior. Don’t give them attention for bad behavior – instead, focus on praising them when they do what you ask.

14. Walk away if necessary.

If you feel like you’re about to lose your cool, its okay to walk away for a few minutes. This will give you time to calm down and regroup.

15. Seek professional help if needed.

If you’re struggling to handle your child’s tantrums and meltdowns, don’t hesitate to seek professional help. A therapist or counselor can offer guidance and support.

Conclusion:

If you’re struggling to deal with your child’s bedtime tantrums and meltdowns, remember that you’re not alone. There are plenty of other parents out there who are going through the same thing.

There are also a number of things you can do to ease the transition into sleep. With a little patience and preparation, you can help your child (and yourself!) get a good night’s sleep.

Try following some of the tips listed above, and see if they make a difference for you and your family. And if you need additional help, don’t hesitate to seek professional assistance.