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Parenting

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Bedtime struggles with our three-year-old, any advice that helped?

12 replies

Lucylou9912 · 04/07/2026 20:17

Just wanting some advice my boy who was 3 in march is becoming very challenging at bedtime. We stick to the usual bedtime routine which is no screens for an hour before bedtime, dinner, bath, story, teeth and bed. He doesn't nap in the day and we are starting bedtime 6.30 we've tried all sorts of times nothing changes. We are finding he is constantly coming out of his room we have been taking him back to his room with no talking etc and reminding it's bedtime, it's taking an hour or more for him to sleep. We have implemented a reward jar and he has chosen hot wheels cars to go in it however even with doing this it isn't changing too much. Myself and my partner are really struggling and feel so defeated so any tips or advice would be amazing!!!!

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Notsurenotsurenotsure · 04/07/2026 20:18

What time does he get up? Is he tired and grumpy in the day or fine?

Bitzee · 04/07/2026 20:21

Notsurenotsurenotsure · 04/07/2026 20:18

What time does he get up? Is he tired and grumpy in the day or fine?

Yes this. If he gets up early and/or seems well rested then it may be a sign he needs a later bedtime. 6:30 is very early.

Copperoliverbear · 04/07/2026 20:22

6:30 is very early

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Lucylou9912 · 04/07/2026 20:23

Notsurenotsurenotsure · 04/07/2026 20:18

What time does he get up? Is he tired and grumpy in the day or fine?

He gets up between 6/7, he is okay in the day however about 3/4pm he starts getting grumpy and his behaviour can change a bit so that's why I was thinking to start bedtime earlier?

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Springpartyideas · 04/07/2026 20:24

Bedtime is 8pm for my 3 year old and is v quick - I’d say 6.30pm is too early especially as it’s so light outside

Lucylou9912 · 04/07/2026 20:25

Copperoliverbear · 04/07/2026 20:22

6:30 is very early

What time would you suggest bedtime? Just feel stuck no matter what we try

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Sunshineclouds11 · 04/07/2026 20:27

I agree in stretching bed time later.
Once he starts flagging in the afternoon, take him outside, even a play in the garden, fresh air does wonders to wake them up abit and run off some grumpyness

Lucylou9912 · 04/07/2026 20:30

Copperoliverbear · 04/07/2026 20:22

6:30 is very early

What time would you suggest for bedtime please?

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Copperoliverbear · 04/07/2026 20:31

@Lucylou9912 id would say 7 or 7:30 and I’d actually read his story once they are in bed to relax them a bit rather than before.

Lucylou9912 · 04/07/2026 20:32

Copperoliverbear · 04/07/2026 20:31

@Lucylou9912 id would say 7 or 7:30 and I’d actually read his story once they are in bed to relax them a bit rather than before.

Okay fab thank you definitely up for trying this

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Denim4ever · 04/07/2026 20:33

I can't imagine fitting 6:30 in as a bedtime. Does one of you work part time? I'd try for 7:30 or 8. That way you both get to see him in the evening

Lucylou9912 · 04/07/2026 20:35

Denim4ever · 04/07/2026 20:33

I can't imagine fitting 6:30 in as a bedtime. Does one of you work part time? I'd try for 7:30 or 8. That way you both get to see him in the evening

I work part time and my partner works full time latest he is home is just before 6.30 but I definitely get what you're saying

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