What to Do When Your Child Demands a Bedtime Snack  

Have you heard the saying, "Nobody has a bigger to do list than a child at bedtime?" If you've got a 3-7 year old, you probably know just how true this is! A little while back, I had a client ask me, "Why do kids hate sleep so much?" The truth is, they really don't! What they hate is saying goodbye to the day, and they know that bedtime means separating from you. This brings a lot of feelings for a little one! So when your child is begging for that snack the second you say "bedtime",  what they're really saying is, "I just want to be with you for a little bit longer."

Here's what I recommend you do if your little one is always stalling at bedtime or looking for a last minute bedtime snack:  build it right into your child's bedtime routine! Make it the very first part of the routine, and let your child know that it's a new special time for the two of you to have together. 

Most important? Make it all about connection! This is truly what your child is seeking. I highly recommend putting your phone out of sight so that you can lean in and make this new bedtime snack a special part of your day. Make it extra awesome by choosing a special snack spot, snuggling and chatting while your child snacks or using a special napkin, plate or bowl for your special time together. 

Keep in mind that you'll want to have some boundaries around the bedtime snack so that it doesn't become a whole big thing. Some ideas for boundaries are:

• eat 1 snack

• share this special time together until the clock says a specific time

• bedtime snack lasts for 3 songs 

Another thing to think about is what type of food you're offering to your child. Foods high in sugar and foods with artificial dyes do all sorts of funky things to our bodies and can make it harder for your child to stay asleep. Try offering snacks that are low in sugar, free of dyes and that have some protein. To make keeping it on the healthy side fun (and to avoid arguments over bedtime cookies), try making a simple bedtime snack menu for  your child to choose from or involve them in making some special bedtime snacks ahead of time. Check back soon for a blog post on the best bedtime snacks!

Are the bedtime battles in your house about so much more than a bedtime snack? Join the many families that now have smooth and happy bedtimes through my "big kid" 1:1 sleep coaching package! Book your free 20 minute discovery call here to learn more.  Let's make bedtime the best time!