Bedtime with my nephew can feel more like a wrestling match than a relaxing ritual. He’s mastered the art of endless requests – a drink of water, another bedtime story, even a trip to the bathroom when he just went! It’s easy to see how quickly a good night’s rest can turn into a chaotic power struggle. And trust me, most kids possess this same ability to transform bedtime into a nightly disaster. If you long to make putting your little one to bed a full-blown battle, fear not! In this blog, I’ll reveal how to make bedtime a nightmare in 10 ways and how to make bedtime easier.
Table of Contents
1. Embrace the Power of Endless Snacks
Kids are masters of distraction, and turning bedtime into snack time is a classic way to postpone the inevitable! Here’s the plan:
- The Hunger Loophole: Start by offering a satisfying but relatively small dinner. Kids with empty stomachs won’t be eager to sleep. Bonus points if the snack is crumbly, requires a sippy cup, and is brightly colored (for maximum staining potential).
- The “Just One More” Trap: Encourage multiple trips to the kitchen throughout the bedtime routine. A few grapes here and a pretzel stick there all add to the extra awake time.
2. Master the Art of the Bedtime Story Marathon
Books are excellent, except when they become endless bedtime stalling! Here’s how to turn those cuddly bedtime stories into an all-night saga:
- Negotiate like a pro: Agree to read ‘just one story,’ then launch into an extra-long epic that leaves them begging for another. Then another. And another.
- The “Can’t-Find-It” Ploy: Searching for their favorite book adds precious minutes before sleep. Even better if you ‘discover’ the book was loaned out to a friend. Let the negotiations begin!
Read more: How to Help Kids With Nightmares
3. Let Them Jump it Out
Who needs sleep when you can bounce? Unleash the chaos with these surefire ways to get them overstimulated right before bedtime:
- The Pre-Bedtime Circus: Transform the bedroom into a wrestling ring or trampoline park. Pillow fights, tickle wars – anything goes!
- The sugar rush: Just before teeth-brushing time, a sugary treat will have them bouncing off the walls. You may regret it, but they’ll be wired in time for bed!
4. Don’t Underestimate Screen Time
Tablets, phones, and TVs are bedtime-wrecking wonders. Here’s how to use them to ensure your kid will battle sleep:
- The Late Night Movie: When it seems like you’ve won, pop in a bright, action-packed movie. The excitement will leave them buzzing.
- The All-Nighter Trap: Let them fall asleep in front of the TV or with a game. Waking up in the wrong place leads to a meltdown (and less sleep!).
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5. Turn Toothbrushing into a Water park
Bathrooms are ripe for bedtime mayhem. Here’s how to transform a simple task like brushing teeth into a splash-happy disaster zone:
- Encourage water play: Who needs to brush your teeth when you can have a water fight or splash showdown? Slippery floors and soaked pajamas are bedtime battle trophies.
- Hide the necessities: Misplace the toothpaste, rinse cup, or even their toothbrush. Nothing delays bedtime like a frantic search mission.
6. Make Getting Dressed an Ordeal
The simple task of putting on pajamas can become a hilarious ordeal. Here’s how to do it:
- Play the Mix-and-Mismatch Game: Let them dress in the most outlandish outfit combinations. Bonus points for mismatched socks or inside-out shirts!
- The Backward Challenge: Insist they put their pajamas on backward or upside down. Laughter and silly struggles are guaranteed!
Read more: How to Make the Best Bedtime Routine
7. Embrace the Endless “I needs”
Train your kid to become the master of bedtime excuses. Here’s how to get them hooked on making requests at bedtime:
- The Forgetful Child: Teach them that right after getting tucked in, it’s time for urgent requests – an extra hug, a favorite toy, that particular stuffed animal.
- The “One More” Game: Respond to each request with “Sure, but then it’s bedtime!” Then prepare for the inevitable “just one more…” cycle to begin.
8. Question Time at its Finest
Kids seem to have endless questions at the most inconvenient time – bedtime. Make the question-and-answer game drag on with these tips:
- The Big Thinker: Encourage those deep, philosophical questions (“What happens when we die?”, “Why is the sky blue?”). Open-ended questions are the best kind!
- The Never-Ending Story: Give them more things to think about instead of direct answers. This is sure to send their minds racing well past bedtime.
9. Perfect the Bedtime Escape
A little freedom can go a long way in ruining bedtime. Teach your little Houdini these clever escape tactics:
- The “I need to potty” Excuse: Even if they just went, encourage multiple bathroom trips throughout their bedtime routine. Let them run up and down the hallway while you patiently wait.
- The Phantom Itch: Inspire a sudden itch or mysterious pain. A tickle in the throat or a sore toe means you must start bedtime all over again, complete with medicines or comforting cuddles.
10. Fear-Mongering 101
Tap into those active imaginations! Make bedtime a spooky time:
- Monsters Under the Bed: Reawaken childhood fears of the dark and creepy things lurking under beds and in closets. A little encouragement goes a long way!
- The Scary Story Classic: Tell a chilling (but age-appropriate) story at bedtime. Make sure it lingers in their mind long after lights out.
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Goally’s skill building tablet for kids has routines that break down large tasks into small, achievable steps. It helps kids complete their tasks independently!
Create custom routines with your own videos & pictures for every step. The steps come in small, bite-sized pieces to help your child learn the little fundamentals (like putting the toothpaste on their toothbrush!) to achieve bigger goals. And that’s just the beginning. See it in action:
With a little effort and these handy strategies, I can assure you that bedtime will never be a relaxing time again! You may be sleep-deprived, but your kiddo will have a memorable battle to fight each and every night. Of course, I hope that, in reality, you’ll put some of these ideas to good use – by doing the exact opposite!
Sources
Here are a few credible sources to find science-backed strategies for fostering healthy sleep habits:
- The National Sleep Foundation: This organization provides research-based information, education, and advocacy on the vital importance of sleep health.
- The American Academy of Pediatrics: This professional membership organization for pediatricians is dedicated to the optimal health and well-being of all children.
- The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): This federal agency works to protect America’s health, safety, and security through disease prevention and health promotion initiatives.
FAQ’s About How to Make Bedtime a Nightmare in 10 Ways
What are common mistakes parents make at bedtime? Common mistakes include inconsistent routines, allowing late naps, and overstimulation before bed. How can screen time before bed make bedtime a nightmare? Screen time before bed can interfere with the body's natural sleep-wake cycle, making it harder for kids to fall asleep. Why is a consistent bedtime routine important? A consistent routine signals to the child that it's time to wind down and sleep, making bedtime smoother. How can late-night snacks disrupt bedtime? Late-night snacks, especially sugary ones, can give kids a burst of energy, making it harder for them to fall asleep. What role does a calming bedroom environment play in a good night's sleep? A calming environment, free from noise and distractions, can help kids relax and fall asleep more easily.
Emily is a seasoned blog writer for Goally, leveraging her extensive background in child psychology and special education to provide valuable insights and resources for parents. Her commitment to understanding and addressing the unique needs of these children, combined with her expertise in educational strategies, makes her a credible and empathetic voice for families.
