Go back to your toddler before they get up, and when they do get up, take them back to bed without a conversation.
A two-minute read, three things to try, for children under 5.
Where to start
Go back with another kiss before your toddler gets up, leaving longer gaps as they settle.
If they get up, take them back to bed and say only “It’s sleep time.”
Keep it up for two weeks before you decide whether it’s working.
If a fortnight has changed nothing, or you’re too tired to keep going, talk to your health visitor or GP.
The rest of the tip, and why it works, is in the library.
Sources
The Sleep Charity, Bedtime Routines; Place2Be, My child has trouble going to sleep (Parenting Smart)
It goes with
The Hour Before Bed.For parents whose child’s bedtime has turned into an hour of worries, questions and meltdowns.
The first chapter you open here is free to read in full.
Free on this subject
Sleep.What to do first, what helps, and who else can help. Free to read and to print.
Parenting strategy.What to do first, what helps, and who else can help. Free to read and to print.
Published by Kensington Square Therapy. Company No. 16707111. Written by therapists registered with the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) and the National Counselling and Psychotherapy Society (NCPS). This page is not therapy, and not a substitute for professional support. The full library is at theparentbook.com.