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3 yo bedtime kick offs

4 replies

throwawayusernamefornow · 08/01/2026 19:39

Struggling Mum!!!

My 3yo slept shockingly until 2 and we have then had a good year of sleeping through, nice consistent bedtime routine, happy to go to bed and to sleep etc.
This last week she has been a NIGHTMARE. screaming for hours, stalling, shouting about anything she can think of (need a drink, want a different teddy, blanket not right).
I’m staying calm (mostly) and giving clear instructions, being consistent, I’ve done everything I can think of, but she’s just kicking off constantly. I’ve just resorted to taking her teddies out of her bed as her screaming was making them ‘sad’, after a good half hour of her just full on tantrumming for no reason … I feel awful but that had just about the right effect in the end. This is not a battle I can emotionally deal with every night and I’m really worried she is bringing this in as a new negative routine?

What is going on? Is this normal development? She’s not ill she’s not too hot or cold, she is happy all day, then bedtime hits and it’s like a switch has flipped and the kick offs begin full force!!
Any strategies or tips would be gratefully appreciated!!

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throwawayusernamefornow · 08/01/2026 20:48

Anyone? :(

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WorkMess2025 · 08/01/2026 21:21

I'm sorry, I have no advice as I've been in bedtime battle territory for all 4 years of having mine!! The shouting about anything and everything is beyond draining.

We go from happy and playful to absolute chaos the moment it turns to bedtime.

Figured I'd bump but hopefully this is a short thing that passes for you all.

Lottie6712 · 08/01/2026 22:15

My now 4 year old has been through numerous bedtime challenges and I'm sure another one is just round the corner! I find just trying to be as calm and consistent with the routine as I can, and make sure everything is predictable (e.g., I'm going to read your second book, which is your last book, then I'm going to... Etc. etc.) is all that seems to help - ride out the storm! Do everything you can to avoid her needing things, e.g., spill proof water bottle in bed, chance to go for a wee before you tuck her in, etc etc. This too shall pass!

throwawayusernamefornow · 09/01/2026 09:56

Thankyou both! It’s reassuring to hear it’s not just you and your child!! She slept through after all the drama, and we had a positive little chat this morning about kindness and calmness, I’ve found her little reward jar that we used to use for potty training, I’ve said she gets two stars each morning if she goes to bed well and sleeps well. I guess only time will tell if that is the incentive she needs?! It is exhausting!!

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