Bedtime—ah, the moment parents eagerly await for a taste of freedom once the little ones are finally asleep. But let’s be honest: the bedtime routine can feel like a marathon. Who needs cardio when you have a toddler with a bedtime ritual that demands all your energy? If you’re new to the toddler bedtime scene or just looking to share experiences, this guide to the “Five Stages of a Toddler’s Bedtime Routine” will surely resonate.
Disclaimer: Every toddler is unique, so experiences may vary.
Stage 1: Dinner Time
In our home, dinner marks the start of the evening chaos. It’s during this time that everyone under the age of three seems to decide they’re suddenly miserable and want to cry for no apparent reason (sometimes adults under 40 join in). During this stage, you must navigate the meal with as much elegance as you can muster. Convincing your toddler to eat the food you slaved over for an hour is akin to negotiating a peace treaty. Most days, it feels like you’re pleading for them to consume a couple of cold chicken bites and a mere lick of green beans. Just give it a little touch; I’ll take anything at this point. Stay strong—remember, they won’t starve themselves (or so they say).
Stage 2: Bath Time
My toddler despises bath time—at least initially. There’s a high chance you’ll face a protest all the way to the bathroom, only to have them enjoy splashing around once they’re in the tub. But wait until it’s time to wash their hair; then it’s back to feeling like the worst parent ever. After rinsing out the remnants of their previous meals, they suddenly love bath time again. Just keep your cool; toddlers have a whirlwind of emotions that even they don’t understand. Eventually, they’ll need to get out of the tub, but getting them to cooperate is a whole different challenge. Prepare for a slippery battle when it’s time to dry off, and applying lotion? Forget the calming commercials, it’s pure chaos.
Stage 3: ‘Milk & Mickey’ Wind Down
In our house, this phase involves my toddler sipping on milk while enjoying a quick episode of Mickey Mouse Clubhouse. This has become our go-to calming strategy, but turning off the TV? That’s a battle of its own. I suggest finding a calming activity for your little one to ease into bedtime.
Stage 4: Teeth Brushing Time
When it’s time to brush those tiny teeth, expect resistance. Your toddler might push the brush away, clamp their mouth shut, or even engage in some light mischief with the light switch. Spitting toothpaste at you? Just another day in the life. Once you’ve brushed what you hope is the majority of their teeth, they’ll likely want to take over, declaring “My do it!” If you try to help, brace yourself for an eruption of emotions—it’s a minty, sticky cycle. Best to let your partner handle this phase; trust me.
Stage 5: Story Time
This final stage is often a negotiation. Here’s a glimpse of what it may sound like:
Toddler: “Books! Books!”
Parent: “Okay, two books.”
Toddler: “No, five books!”
Parent: “Two books it is.”
And so the back-and-forth continues, with the toddler insisting on the same stories night after night. You’ll eventually settle on three books, and just when you think it’s over, you might find them doing somersaults in bed. As you try to get them to settle down, they might even attempt to impersonate a pig, adding to the hilarity. Just as you start a prayer, expect a glorious outburst of the alphabet. It’s a beautiful mess, and as you leave the room, they might sweetly declare, “I love you, Mommy!” leaving you torn between snuggling or sticking to the bedtime routine.
If you do decide to sneak in some extra cuddles, be prepared to restart the exit process. It’s your choice—just know what you’re getting into.
Good luck, fellow parents. Remember, you’re not in this alone; my weary spirit is right there with you from 7 to 9 p.m. And look at that, it’s almost bedtime! Thank goodness!
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Summary
Navigating a toddler’s bedtime routine is a whirlwind of emotions and negotiations. From the chaos of dinner to the rollercoaster of bath time, every stage is filled with laughter, tears, and a little bit of chaos. Embrace the madness, and know that you’re not alone in this journey.