For many parents, the evening battle to get a lively toddler to sleep can feel like an insurmountable challenge. Soothing lullabies, warm baths, and quiet stories often prove useless against a surge of last-minute energy.
The three-step solution for restless evenings
One mother, Lucy, a personal trainer, has revealed the three-step routine she uses with her own energetic child, claiming it has transformed their bedtime. She shared her advice online, where other exhausted parents have hailed it as a gamechanger.
Lucy's approach is based on meeting a child's need for physical release and providing structure before guiding them into a state of calm. "If your kid can't wind down at bedtime, try these 3 things," she advised.
Step one: Meet their energy
The first step is to actively engage with the toddler's high energy rather than fight it. Lucy suggests letting them "drum, stomp, or push into the floor." She explains that these big movements help release what their nervous system is holding onto, providing a necessary physical outlet.
Step two: Organise their body and brain
Next, she recommends creating a quick, simple obstacle course using household items like pillows, couch cushions, or makeshift stepping stones. This activity gives their nervous system the structure it craves, turning chaotic energy into focused play.
Step three: Shift into calm
The final transition involves deliberately signalling to the child's body that it is time to rest. Slow rocking, deep hugs, dim lights, and soft voices are key here. These sensory cues collectively tell the toddler's system that it is finally safe to settle down.
Parents share their own bedtime victories
In response to Lucy's post, other parents shared their similar struggles and solutions. One user commented, "My Son, my wife and myself go absolutely ape s**t for about 45 minutes before bedtime, then 5 minutes after lights out, his lights are out, rinse and repeat every night."
Another recounted their experience with a great-grandson, now five, who has learned to self-regulate. "I’m so glad that I spent the time educating myself... so that we could help him get through those times while allowing him to be who he is!" they wrote, mentioning that a tent with fairy lights on the bed became a cherished calming space.
A third parent found success with dance, saying, "Love this! Some nights we turn on Bluey Dance Mode on YouTube and dance around in the living room."
The consensus among these parents is clear: for a toddler bursting with evening energy, structured physical activity followed by sensory calming techniques can be far more effective than traditional, passive wind-down methods. The approach, shared on 7 January 2026, offers a practical blueprint for turning bedtime chaos into peaceful rest.
