Mamas, let’s be real. Bedtime with a preschooler is basically an Olympic event. There’s the last-minute potty break (even though they just went). The sudden, urgent need for a third bedtime story. The desperate “I’m hungry” plea (even though dinner ended minutes ago). And of course, the grand finale, the 42nd attempt to escape the bedroom like a tiny Houdini.
By the time you finally get them to sleep, you’re too exhausted to even enjoy your Netflix binge. Sound familiar? Don’t worry, friend. I see you. And I’ve got your back.
After years of battling bedtime like a weary warrior, I finally cracked the code. These six simple steps will help you reclaim your evenings and make bedtime so much easier, without resorting to bribery (okay, minimal bribery).
1. The 30-Minute Wind-Down Trick
If your little one is bouncing off the walls at bedtime, chances are their brain is still in party mode. The secret? A calm-down ritual that starts at least 30 minutes before lights out.
Dim the lights
Play soft music
Read a chill bedtime book (nothing too exciting, skip the dinosaur battles and action-packed adventures)
This tells their little body, “Hey kid, it’s time to power down.” And it works like magic.
2. The Pajama Power Move
Here’s an actual bedtime sabotage scenario: Your child is overtired, cranky, and you still have to wrestle them into PJs like you’re taming a wild animal. Avoid the struggle by putting on pajamas way before the bedtime battle begins.
After dinner? Pajamas. Before snack? Pajamas. Right after school? Okay, maybe that’s extreme, but you get the idea. The earlier, the better. That way, when it’s actually bedtime, you’re skipping a major battle before it even starts.
3. The Magic Bedtime Chart (a.k.a. Your New Best Friend)
If you haven’t tried a bedtime routine chart, you need one in your life. Kids thrive on structure, and when they can see what comes next, they feel in control.
Bath
Brush teeth
Story
Sleep
Boom. Simple. Plus, let them put stickers on it, because stickers are basically currency for preschoolers.
4. The One-and-Done Rule (No More Endless Requests!)
Raise your hand if your kid asks for one more drink, one more hug, one more trip to the bathroom, and one more existential crisis about whether sharks have best friends.
Solution? The One-and-Done Rule. Before tucking them in, give them everything they might ask for in one go:
- Water bottle by the bed
- Extra hugs and kisses
- Last-minute potty break
- Final stuffed animal adjustments
Then, when they try to ask for just one more thing, remind them, “Oops! We already did all the bedtime things. Time to sleep!” Stay strong, mama. You got this.
5. The Secret Sleep Weapon (That Works Like a Dream!)
Okay, now I’m about to let you in on a life-changing secret: A bedtime sound machine.
This little device is an actual miracle worker. The gentle white noise drowns out household sounds (like you finally opening that bag of chips), helps kids fall asleep faster, and keeps them sleeping longer.
Must-Have Alert: The Hatch Rest+ is amazing. It’s a nightlight, white noise machine, and sleep trainer all in one. You can even set it to change colors when it’s okay for them to get up (hello, no more 5 AM wake-ups!). If you don’t have one yet, trust me, you need this in your life.
Grab yours now before bedtime chaos strikes again!
6. The “Mom Means Business” Walk-Away Strategy
Here’s the hardest part: Once they’re in bed, you have to leave.
If you keep going back for just one more snuggle, just one more tuck-in, they’ll keep pushing bedtime later and later. Instead:
- Say goodnight.
- Walk out confidently.
- If they get up, calmly return them to bed with zero conversation. (No eye contact, no negotiations, no caving.)
Repeat as needed (the first night is rough, but STAY STRONG).
After a few nights, they’ll realize bedtime is non-negotiable. And you? You’ll actually get to sit down with hot tea (not the lukewarm kind you’ve been sipping all day).
You’ve Got This, Mama!
Bedtime doesn’t have to be a never-ending struggle. With a solid routine, the right tools (hello, Hatch Rest+), and a firm-but-loving approach, you’ll finally win back your evenings.
Now, go pour yourself a victory glass of wine, you earned it.
Ready to say goodbye to bedtime battles for good? Try these tricks tonight and let me know how it goes!