Every parent experiences stalling as bedtime approaches. Toddlers are especially prone to using tactics to avoid drifting off to sleep for the night. The more toddlers stall, the more parents grow frustrated. This upsets the child even more, creating a frustrating cycle of behavior for everyone involved. A homemade book that outlines each step in the routine gives toddlers a visual reminder of the routine and presents it in a fun format.
Materials for the Bedtime Routine Book
The homemade book requires only a few materials. The design is flexible so the materials also vary depending on the exact design used. The basic materials needed for the project include:
- An inexpensive journal or scrapbook that is wirebound
- Decorative paper or construction paper
- Photographs of the child doing each step of the routine
- Glue
Assembly of the Toddler Sleep Tool
Establishing each element of the bedtime routine in order is key to assembling the book. Each step will have its own page in the book. If the pages are not removable, the order can't be changed once the pages are created. Decide which tasks the child must complete to prepare for bedtime each night. The specific steps in the routine may vary slightly depending on the individual child. Typical elements include a bath, brushing teeth, putting on pajamas, tucking into bed and reading bedtime stories.
For a customized touch, take pictures of the child performing each step of the bedtime routine. The toddler will have his own book with himself as the star. Glue each picture to a separate page in the journal based on the previously established order. Decorative paper allows for additional embellishments or short captions for the pictures.
Improving Toddler Sleep Habits With the Book
Once the book is created, it becomes the guide for bedtime. The toddler has his own book that shows him what to do each step of the way at bedtime. Because the photographs clearly depict each task, he can go through the book on his own, giving him a sense of ownership in the routine. Review the bedtime routine book with the child on the first night, letting him know that he will be in charge of bedtime with the assistance of the book. Make it clear that he must begin on the first page and cannot move on to the next page of the bedtime book until the current task is completed. As he completes each task, help him turn the page to see what he needs to do next. Continue through each page of the book until he is finished with the bedtime routine.
A sticker chart or rewards system provides a motivating addition to the homemade book. The child can keep track of successfully completing the tasks each night by placing a sticker on the chart. This option should be used with caution, as once toddlers are rewarded for a particular behavior, they expect the reward every time. Make sure the program is something the parent wants to maintain before beginning it with the child.
Letting a child help make his own book may reduce the battles at bedtime. The child holds the responsibility for moving through each step, keeping the bedtime routine going forward. The bedtime routine book offers a tool to help improver toddler sleep habits.
 |
