Step 1: Set Aside Two Hours (or More)
First things first, you’ll want to carve out at least two hours for this adventure. Trust me, you might need even more time!
Step 2: Time for the Diaper Change
This step can be a bit of a challenge. Before you start, make sure to block all potential escape routes. Keeping your little one contained is crucial! To lure them in, pretend you have an exciting toy or a neat trick to show. It’s even better if you have an actual prop. Whatever you do, avoid mentioning “bedtime” or “diaper” — that’s a surefire way to derail your mission.
Once you have your toddler’s attention, execute a gentle, surprise maneuver to swap out the daytime diaper for the nighttime one. Just a tip: practice your diaper-changing skills to make this transition smoother because you’ll only have a few precious moments before they squirm away!
Step 3: Get Them Into Pajamas
Only tackle this step once the initial chaos has simmered down. After the diaper change, find something fun to distract your toddler while you dress them, like singing their favorite song or offering a beloved stuffed animal. If you skip this distraction, getting pajamas on will feel like trying to dress a hyperactive octopus. If you’re potty training, opt for two-piece pajamas since your little one will likely need to use the bathroom about a million times before settling down.
Step 4: Choose a Bedtime Story
Limit the choices to avoid a lengthy debate. Pick out two or three stories from their bookshelf, ensuring they are short and filled with delightful illustrations. Present the options and make it clear they can only choose one. Brace yourself for some pushback. Your toddler will likely change their mind multiple times during this process, but remain calm and encourage them to pick definitively. Once they settle on a story, they might protest for a few pages, but soon enough, they’ll be engaged.
When the story ends, resist their pleas for “Again!” or “I want a different one!” Giving in will only reignite their desire for more.
Step 5: Time to Leave the Room
This final step might feel the longest. Tuck your little one in, give them hugs and kisses, and as you’re about to exit, you’ll hear the inevitable “Mommy, wait!” or “Daddy, please don’t go!” Reassure them that you’re just down the hall and they need to rest to be happy tomorrow.
Depending on your parenting style, you can either let them cry it out for a few minutes before returning to comfort them or stay nearby until they drift off. However, I must warn you: the temptation to let them snuggle in your bed is strong. Resist that urge! Once you give in, you might be sharing your space with an adorable bed buddy for years to come.
Once the mission is accomplished, kick back with a glass of wine or cozy up on the couch with your favorite show. Just as you’re settling in, you might hear the faint calls of “Mommy? Daddy?” from the other room. Don’t panic! Redirect your focus back to your book or TV show until the quiet returns. But be prepared: if the calls escalate to full-on screams, you’ll need to dash back to their room to ensure they’re okay.
Repeat this process until your toddler is truly asleep (and no, you may not get to finish your book).
Summary
Putting a toddler to bed can be an epic journey, but with these five steps — from setting aside enough time, to diaper changes, pajamas, story selections, and finally leaving the room — you’ll navigate the bedtime routine like a pro. Just remember, it’s all about patience and perseverance!
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