Start with the Simple Stuff

Kids are sometimes like tiny, unpredictable alarm clocks, only they go off at bedtime rather than morning. If your child cries every night for no apparent reason, you’re not alone. Here’s something you can try right away: a consistent bedtime routine. Not every kid responds to predictability, but most do find it comforting. Try doing the same things in the same order each night — a favorite story, a bath, and a slow dance to ‘Twinkle Twinkle Little Star’ might just work wonders (or at least it did for one of mine).

Why This Happens

It's not a mystery worthy of Sherlock, but kids often cry when they're overtired, overstimulated, or simply not ready to say goodbye to the day. Bedtime can be a big emotional deal, and all those feelings can tumble out in tears.

Practical Steps to Try

  1. Routine Check: Around 30 minutes before bed, start winding down. This might mean dimming lights or switching off the TV. I thought this was nonsense until it actually worked. Who knew?
  2. Gentle Choices: Give them control (or at least the illusion of it). "Do you want to brush your teeth first or put on PJs?" seems to work better than "It's bedtime now."
  3. Non-Engagement: When the tears start, try not to engage immediately. Sometimes a few seconds of silence can be more effective than jumping right into soothing mode.
  4. Comfort Object: A soft toy or blanket can sometimes work wonders. My son insists on bringing his Spider-Man blanket to bed. It's as dramatic as it sounds.

Real-Life Scenario

Here's how it played out in our house: One evening, right on schedule, my daughter started her nightly lament. Instead of asking why she was upset (a question she’d ignore anyway), I said, "I see you’re feeling sad. Do you want your elephant or your bunny tonight?" It was like flipping a switch. Her focus shifted, and she calmed down.

Here's the Thing

This won’t fix everything, but it’s a start. If nothing else, it’s good to know you’re not the only one bribing their kid with soft toys at bedtime. Keep experimenting, and hey, good luck tonight.

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