Calming Toddler Bedtime Tips


by Sherry Frewerd - Date: 2006-11-28 - Word Count: 310 Share This!

Toddlers are very busy little people. Throughout the day they are working hard at playing and learning new skills. A toddler will go and go, pushing the limits of what he can comprehend, and since he doesn't understand how to deal with the ups and downs of his day, he is usually frustrated and worn out by evening.

By the end of the day, a toddler will very often become upset even with his most favorite activities, so imagine how annoying the routine stuff can be for him. He's exhausted and tired, so even dinner time can be stressful. Here's where a clever parent can turn the tide in how the remainder of the evening will play-out; and how soon you can get some rest yourself.

Toddlers are unable to recognize when they are 'over-done', they just keep on playing and fussing when what they need are calming activities to help them prepare for bedtime. Here are some tips that parents can use to help ease toddlers into a calm, restful attitude:

Make dinner a calming time with quiet talk and atmosphere.

After dinner, give him a warm bath with calming bath wash - aromatherapy works wonders.

Keep the lights low for a peaceful setting.

Take your toddler aside for quiet activities after dinner such as reading bedtime stories, coloring books or calmly singing with him.

During this evening calming time, relax yourself, and show your toddler what you expect from him by not busying around the house cleaning or doing other tasks; he'll learn from watching you.

Keep in mind, that any quiet, transitioning activities you do with your toddler should become 'routine' so that he starts to recognize these activities as part of getting ready for bed and quiet time. Parents who are hit and miss with a calming toddler bedtime routine will find it harder to accomplish their goal of a restful evening and happy child.


Related Tags: parenting, babies, toddler, toddlers, toddler bedtime, bedtime

Sherry Frewerd is a Family Child Care Provider and publishes 'Family Play and Learn' a play and learning resource for Toddler and Preschool Learning Activities - familyplayandlearn.com Your Article Search Directory : Find in Articles

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