A mother has revealed a simple three-step strategy that she claims can transform bedtime for toddlers bursting with evening energy, with other parents hailing it as a revolutionary solution.
The Struggle With Winding Down
For many families, the evening brings a familiar battle. No matter how many soothing lullabies are sung, warm baths are drawn, or calming television shows are played, some young children seem to have an inexhaustible supply of energy just as sleep time approaches. The dilemma for parents is whether to engage with this high-energy behaviour or attempt to suppress it in favour of calm.
Lucy, a mother who also works as a personal trainer, faced this exact challenge with her own toddler. She has now shared the three techniques she swears by, which are designed to meet a child's needs and guide their nervous system towards rest.
Lucy's Three-Step Method
The first step is to 'Meet Their Energy'. Instead of fighting against it, Lucy advises allowing your child to release pent-up energy through big movements. This could involve drumming, stomping, or pushing against the floor, activities that help the nervous system discharge what it is holding onto.
The second step is to 'Organise Their Body and Brain'. Here, structure is key. Setting up a quick, simple obstacle course using household items like pillows, couch cushions, or makeshift stepping stones provides the sensory input and organisation a craving nervous system needs.
The final step is to 'Shift into Calm'. After the energy release and structured play, parents should deliberately transition to calming activities. Slow rocking, deep-pressure hugs, dimmed lights, and soft, quiet voices send clear signals to the child's body that it is now safe and time to rest.
Parents Share Their Success Stories
The response from other parents in online discussions has been overwhelmingly positive, with many sharing their own variations and successes.
One parent commented on their nightly ritual, stating: "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, who used similar techniques with her great-grandson, noted: "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!" She also highlighted the success of creating a cosy den using a tent for his bed with fairy lights inside.
A third parent shared: "Love this! Some nights we turn on Bluey Dance Mode on YouTube and dance around in the living room."
These anecdotes underscore a common theme: finding ways to respectfully channel a toddler's natural energy before guiding them towards sleep can be far more effective than a battle for immediate stillness. Lucy's structured approach offers a clear framework that many families are now adopting to turn bedtime chaos into calm.
