What to do if your toddler gets up after bedtime

You may find that your toddler is restless after you have put him to bed, or keeps getting up after “lights out”. This can be very frustrating as just when you think you’ve got some peace and quiet, it’s interrupted.
If this is a problem for you, here are a few things to try:

1. Avoid rough games in the hour before bed. If your child is excited, he won’t settle down very well
2. Keep to a routine at bedtime that is soothing and consistent
3. ake sure that there is nothing that your toddler needs before you leave him, then sooth him as you are leaving and remind him to go to sleep quietly
4. Although it can be very difficult, don’t take notice of calls after you have turned out the lights. Your toddler can be very loud in protesting, but you must resolve to ignore it. Responding will just encourage more protesting and trouble the following night.

If your toddler actually gets up, you have two options:

1. Just return him once and tell him to stay there, and if he disobeys again close his door and disregard any more cries
2. Repeatedly return him to bed firmly, again and again every time he gets up. This can be difficult as some toddlers can be very tenacious

You need to find out what works, and then keep to it – they will eventually get the message

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