We've been trying to get my 4yo to sleep by 8pm for months. Bath, story, lights out. Every night was a battle. Started letting him pick which book AND which stuffed animal gets to sleep first (yes, they have designated sleeping spots in his head). Last three nights? Asleep before 8:15. I know it'll probably regress but I'm taking the W
How long did it take before he actually accepted it? We tried something similar and it worked for a week then he got bored with the 'choices'
This is genius. You removed the control from the battle. He got choice so he's invested in the outcome. Way better than the 'because I said so' approach
Got us to 8pm consistently for the first time in like a year. Not every night is perfect but the consistency matters more. When the routine feels predictable to him, he fights less
lol we do this but it still doesn't work. Kid picks a book, then wants a different one, then wants mom instead of dad. The picking helps but doesn't guarantee compliance
This works because you're meeting him halfway. You're not giving him full control but he's not powerless either. That's the sweet spot with 4yos
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The 'stuffed animal sleeps first' detail is gold. That's such a specific way to reframe it that makes it feel like a game instead of punishment. Stealing this