How to Get Kids to Sleep Without Losing Your Mind
Getting kids to bed can feel like a nightly battle.
One more story, another drink of water, a sudden complaint of hunger, anything to delay the inevitable.
Some kids fight bedtime with energy that makes you wonder why they even need sleep.
Others lie in bed wide-eyed, struggling to switch off.
And if they don’t sleep well, you’re left dealing with cranky moods, tantrums, and an even harder bedtime the next night.
If you want to reduce the chance of tantrums then getting on top of bedtime is a must.
Why Sleep Matters for Kids
Sleep is crucial for children’s growth, learning, and emotional regulation.
When kids don’t get enough sleep, they struggle with concentration, emotional control, and even physical health.
Research shows that lack of sleep can lead to more behavioral problems, increased stress, and difficulty in school.
It can also make them more prone to illness and slow down their ability to recover from everyday bumps and bruises.
When sleep becomes a problem, parents often feel stuck do you fight every night or just give in?
Fortunately, Positive Parenting is an approach that offers three structured options to bedtime, helping parents choose what works best for their child and their own sanity.
Three Options for Bedtime Battles
There are three suggested approaches to getting kids to sleep: bedtime fading, gradual withdrawal, and controlled comforting.
Each method works differently, but they all focus on making bedtime easier while teaching kids how to settle themselves.
1. Bedtime Fading (For Kids Who Struggle to Fall Asleep)
Some kids aren’t ready to sleep when you put them to bed, leading to endless tossing and turning.
Bedtime fading involves putting your child to bed when they naturally start feeling sleepy and then slowly shifting bedtime earlier by 15-minute increments over several nights.
This helps their body clock adjust gradually rather than forcing them into bed when they’re not ready.
2. Gradual Withdrawal (For Kids Who Need You to Fall Asleep)
If your child can’t sleep without you in the room, gradual withdrawal helps them learn to sleep independently without distress.
Start by sitting next to their bed and slowly increasing your distance over several nights moving to the door, then the hallway until they can settle without you.
This method reassures children while reducing their reliance on parental presence at bedtime.
3. Controlled Comforting (For Kids Who Call Out or Get Out of Bed)
For children who cry or repeatedly come out of their room, controlled comforting involves checking in at set intervals to reassure them without giving in to their demands.
You let them know you’re there, but you don’t stay too long or engage too much.
The goal is to teach them that bedtime is firm while still offering comfort.
Finding What Works for You and Your Child
Every child is different, and so is every parent’s tolerance for bedtime battles.
Whether you choose bedtime fading, gradual withdrawal, or controlled comforting, the key is consistency.
Kids thrive on routine, and once they understand bedtime expectations, sleep becomes much easier for everyone.
And let’s be honest once your child is finally asleep, you get a chance to breathe, relax, and enjoy a little bit of quiet before doing it all again tomorrow.
For further help and to work this through in your
Family please contact me directly.
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