Toddlers usually march to the beat of their own drum, especially when it comes to bedtime. As parents, we try hard to make a consistent bedtime routine, but it can be exhausting when your toddler is not down with your rules. We reached out to some
MomCo moms to weigh in on the subject.
If toddlers were allowed to make their own rules, here is what they probably would be...
1. I can sleep anywhere except in my own bed.
We let them pick out their own sheets, give them stuffed animals and blankies, and decorate their rooms in amazing and creative ways. They don't care. Toddlers will sleep where they collapse from exhaustion.
2. If it has a character I love, I must sleep with it.
Toddlers LOVE their princesses, super-heroes, Hello Kitty, My Little Pony, etc. They love them so much, they will sometimes bring them to bed. They don't care that it's just an umbrella or a box of Orajel toothpaste, they're going to sleep with it.
3. If you bought me something new today, I'm taking it to bed with me.
It doesn't matter what it is, if it's new and they've claimed it as their own, they're sleeping with it.
4. I didn't eat all my dinner because I want to take food to bed.
It's almost an involuntary reflex... when we say it is bedtime, they say, "I'm hungry!" And sometimes we give in...
5. I don't need naps.
They need a nap. We know they need a nap. Every last person who comes in contact with your child between 4:00pm and 6:30pm knows they really needed a nap, but they always fight it. Until they can't fight anymore and then this happens... usually right before dinner.
Jillian Darlington is the CEO and Founder of the MomCo app. The MomCo app helps moms locate, connect and meet up with other moms that live close by with similar aged children and common interests. It also helps them find play dates and activities that are happening in their area. Jillian is also a contributor for many parenting websites and a regular parenting expert on Fox5 and CW6 News in San Diego. You can follow Jillian and MomCo on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest and at www.momcoapp.com.
