2007-02-17 20:38:09 · 8 answers · asked by MistyMishy 1 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Toddler & Preschooler
Establish a routine! Ours begins after dinner with a nice warm bath. I let mine play in the tub for a while, which does two things-helps wear her down and helps make sure that she goes potty before bedtime-something about that warm water makes her have to go! Then we get out, dry off, put on "jammies" and have snuggle time while we watch a short cartoon on dvd(an episode of Bear in the Big Blue House or Winnie the Pooh-choose something genlte and low key!) Then we brush teeth, give night night smoochies and hugs to Daddy, and it's off to read a story. Then bedtimes prayers, more smoochies and "squeegies" (they used to call it Eskimo Kisses, where you rub noses...) and out go the lights. I am very fortunate-once she is in bed, my daughter doesn't roam the house. She settles in, and in ten minutes time, she is out.
It also helps to make sure they get a good nap during the day and plenty of exercise as well. If they are too tired at bedtime, it can be a nightmare!
Establishing the routine may take a few weeks, so be prepared, but be consistent! Good luck to you!
2007-02-18 00:12:26 · answer #1 · answered by kelly24592 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Toddlers are just babies who can walk and talk. They haven't yet outgrown many baby-ish behaviors, and I've found that they still have a pretty high need for comfort and reassurance at bedtime and in the night. I still sing lullabies, read stories, etc. to my two youngest, at almost 3 and 5 y/o. They also have a bedtime routine of the bare basics-- bathtime, jammies, teeth brushed, pick up bedroom, then a few songs usually and they are off to dreamland.
If you don't already have a routine, create one that works for you, and stick with it. Expect to spend an hour or more every night on the routine and the actual putting in bed/falling asleep aspect. Funny thing about kids-- they sure take up a lot of our time & attention... ;)
2007-02-17 20:47:32 · answer #2 · answered by LaundryGirl 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
No easy way. Work out a realistic routine & stick to it, eventually your toddler will follow. This is only my experience but it's an interesting question & i can't wait to read the other answers. ps. when i say routine i mean a bath, a storey, a drink of milk, a last goodnight song etc, etc.
2007-02-17 23:43:04 · answer #3 · answered by Mishell 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think....routine, routine, routine. Whatever type of routine works best for your family. Maybe a bath, a story, some quiet playtime...whatever. But, do it consistantly! Also, make sure you toddler isn't hungry before bed, of that might cause problems as well.
2007-02-17 21:33:39 · answer #4 · answered by Renee D 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Put him to bed and make him stay. Be consistent, if he gets up, put him back in bed. Do this over and over again and say "it's bedtime" each time. Eventually, he'll catch on and stay there. Toddlers understand more than we think they do. Keep your cool and be persistent. Hang in there.
2007-02-18 06:56:27 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
my niece is 2 1/2 y/o when she spends the night with me i just tell her i need a hug and a kiss cause its big girls bed time and ask her if she wants me to Walk her to bed we give kisses and hugs and she goes right to bed
at home her mom puts her to bed and she cries for an hour then falls asleep
2007-02-17 20:48:54 · answer #6 · answered by debrasearch 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
DEAR
A BUBBLE BATH HEAD WASHED CLOTHED PILLOW BLANKET STUFF TOY AND A STORY AND LAY THERE UNTIL HE ARE SHE GOES TO SLEEP OK.
2007-02-17 20:58:18 · answer #7 · answered by ? 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
routine. the odd time, a bribe works.
2007-02-18 01:34:51 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋