Bedtime Battles? Tips for when you need to step away
Does your family struggle with anyone other than the primary caregiver putting the kiddos to bed? You’re not alone! My kids are always SO EXCITED to see their dad when we all come home at the end of the day, it really is so sweet. But they do not share this enthusiasm for dad at bedtime. I count myself very lucky to have a very involved partner in raising my children and my boys absolutely love their dad. But when it comes to bedtime their preference is for me every time. It’s so normal that the primary caregiver is preferred at bedtime. I’m also here to let you know that it is so normal to want to be able to step away at bedtime and take some time for yourself.
Here are 3 tips for when another caregiver will be taking the reins at bedtime:
Leave the house if you can! It all goes a lot smoother for everyone involved if you’re not physically in the house. This is also a great opportunity for you to catch up with a friend, go to an exercise class or simply go on a walk.
As a child sleep consultant, I always recommend to families I work with to give their little ones a heads up well before bedtime that your partner / their grandparent / babysitter / aunt / uncle etc. will be putting them to bed that night. This way they won’t feel blindsided when their primary caregiver isn’t there when bedtime winddown begins.
Finally, take some time to reassure them that you will be home later that night and will see them again in the morning. Lots of kiddos respond really well when they are told that you will visit them when you get home and will give them a kiss before you go to sleep. My 4 year old gets lots of reassurance when I tell him that I’ll give him 20 kisses when I get home. 🥰
✨💕 The dynamic at bedtime is usually that parents are ready for some space and time to themselves while the kiddos want their parents to stay with them. When it comes to toddlers and young children, we can meet them half way, filling their cup with love and attention while empowering them to sleep independently.
Are you struggling with sleep? Feel free to book a free 15-minute sleep assessment call with me, a child sleep consultant, to see how I can help. As a paediatric sleep consultant and baby sleep consultant, I’m here to support you in navigating these changes for your family.
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