If bedtime in your house feels more like a negotiation than a wind-down, you’re not alone. Around the age of 2 (sometimes earlier), toddlers begin to explore their place in the world. They’re curious, testing limits, and discovering just how much control they can have over situations, including bedtime.

What Does This Look Like?

• Getting distracted during simple tasks like running the bath or putting on PJs

• Asking for “one more drink” or “one more book”

• Saying they didn’t like the story you just read and demanding another one

• Big emotions during transitions, tantrums, tears, pushback at every step

• Saying “no” to everything, no matter how small

It’s normal, but it can be exhausting when all you want is to tuck them in at a reasonable hour.

How Can We Support Them and Still Get Them to Bed on Time?

1. Don’t Rush the Bedtime Routine

Toddlers need to fill their mummy & daddy cup before they go down for the night. Carve out some 1:1, uninterrupted, no-distraction time in the lead-up to bed. When toddlers feel rushed or pushed through the steps, they’re more likely to push back. Slow it down, give them your full attention, and allow the magic of connection to settle them before sleep.

2. Offer Choices to Give Them Control

Toddlers are more likely to cooperate when they feel they have a say. Try:

• “Would you like the dinosaur PJs or the striped ones?”

• “Shall we brush teeth first or hop in the bath first?”

• “Which two books would you like to read tonight?”

Simple, limited choices help them feel empowered without letting them run the show.

3. Be Firm but Kind

Yes, your toddler’s feelings are real and big, but that doesn’t mean every request gets met. Boundaries create safety and predictability. If they ask for “just one more” book after you’ve read your agreed two, you might say:

“I know you’d like another story, but we’ve finished our two books for tonight. Let’s pick out the one we’ll read tomorrow and put it on your shelf so it’s ready.”

If they melt down, acknowledge their feelings without caving in. Sometimes giving them space to work through their emotions, and then calmly returning with, “Are you ready for PJs now?” helps move things along.

4. Avoid the Endless “One More” Trap

Once toddlers learn that pushing gets results, they’ll keep testing that boundary, before you know it, bedtime has stretched into 56 books and 3 bathroom trips. Stick to your limits. It might feel tough in the moment, but in the long run, it helps your toddler feel secure and understand what to expect.

5. Check If They’re Actually Tired Enough

If the battles continue after you’ve done the routine, your toddler is in bed but still playing, talking, or messing around instead of settling, consider whether they’re truly tired enough. Sometimes it’s not about boundaries, but timing. Look at their day routine:

• Do they need a little more awake time before bed?

• Does their nap need shortening?

• Or could it be time to drop the nap altogether?

Making small adjustments to daytime sleep can often help your toddler be ready to fall asleep more easily at night.

Remember: bedtime doesn’t have to be perfect, but with consistency, connection, and gentle firmness, your toddler will eventually learn the rhythm. Boundaries don’t just get them to sleep on time, they also give your little one the structure they crave to feel safe and settled.

Take the stress out of bedtime with the support of The Sleep Teacher! With one-on-one consultations, we can help you get back to enjoying a good night’s sleep. Book a sleep consultation! 💜