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Advice for eliminating/shortening DD's playful bedtime routine

dodgerfantobedodgerfantobe member
in Toddlers: 24 Months+
DD has a litany of things she 'must' do before getting into her toddler bed for nap/nighttime. We sit on a couch in her room to read a book or two and then she has to climb off the couch, dance, hop from across the room, etc. before she will willingly get in bed. If we pick her up or try to skip one part, she just gets more upset and protests even more. She's right out of bed and typically has to start over. She's a stubborn little sweetie, and I'd like to figure out how to end this battle. We have found ways to curb the repeated getting out of bed before falling asleep, so we'd like to address this now. We talk about the idea that playtime is over, it's time to rest now, play when you get up. But she's not buying it. Any strategies that you have found successful to help them 'give up' and get into bed?
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Re: Advice for eliminating/shortening DD's playful bedtime routine

  • TiffanyBerryTiffanyBerry member
    What I would do, though I don't know if it'll work for you - figure out a routine that is a good compromise (like one book, hop to door, etc.), talk to her about it, and write (draw) it down.  Then she, and you, have to stick to it.  You're not going to eliminate the silly stuff entirely; she's a toddler.  But I found that putting limits on not adding new things was doable without the end-of-the-world dramatics.  
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  • MNgirl326MNgirl326 member

    imageTiffanyBerry:
    What I would do, though I don't know if it'll work for you - figure out a routine that is a good compromise (like one book, hop to door, etc.), talk to her about it, and write (draw) it down.  Then she, and you, have to stick to it.  You're not going to eliminate the silly stuff entirely; she's a toddler.  But I found that putting limits on not adding new things was doable without the end-of-the-world dramatics.  

    This and also maybe a timer.  One that is visual  - I use this one A LOT in my classroom because most first graders can't tell time and don't understand the concept of it quite yet.  They do however understand that the red is getting less and when it is gone they need to be done doing what ever they are doing.

    (I know this is from an autism sight, but I'm not saying your LO is autism, many  teachers from preschool- 2nd grade  use this clock for all kids who don't understand time yet.  So please don't take it the wrong way)

    https://www.nationalautismresources.com/audible-time-timer-3.html

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  • MNgirl326MNgirl326 member

    Or if you have an ipad or iphone you can download some countdown timer apps

    Here is one I found

    https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/kiddie-countdown-activity/id413243984?mt=8

     

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  • dodgerfantobedodgerfantobe member
    Thank you for the suggestions! I just downloaded a couple timer apps and showed them to my daughter. She seems interested found one that counts down and reveals a picture as time runs out. If she responds well this would be great for other things like her marathon meals! We may have to do a picture of the acceptable routine too, will see what works best. Thanks again.
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