Kitija Ozolina · Awareness Mentor for Mothers
A small plan for the part of the day you both dread
For younger children, not babies. This is a routine-planning guide, not medical sleep advice.
Perhaps bedtime begins with a story.
Then another drink.
Then another question.
Then you leave.
Then they call you back.
By the time the house is quiet, you are upset with them and with yourself.
Before changing everything, write down what is happening.
Is it stopping play?
Getting washed?
Being alone?
Worrying after the lights go out?
Try asking during the day.
“What is the hardest part of bedtime for you?”
Listen before deciding it is all about refusing.
For example:
Toilet.
Teeth.
Pajamas.
Story.
Goodnight.
Write it down or draw pictures together.
Keep it simple enough to use.
“We’ll read one book. Then I’ll sit beside you for five minutes.”
Choose something you can follow through on.
Don’t promise to stay all night if you know you cannot.
“We’ve finished our story. It’s time to rest now.”
You can repeat a calm answer without adding a new argument.
You don’t have to change the bedtime, the room, the routine, and your response all tonight.
Choose one thing.
Try it consistently enough to see what happens.
If your child seems unwell, is in pain, or you are worried about their breathing or sleep, speak with a health professional rather than treating it only as a behavior problem.
My parenting manual covers bedtime routines, coming into your bed, nightmares, and night terrors.
With love, Kitija 🤍
The book is not on sale yet. You can read a free part of it now.
Read a free part →