The Benefits of Bedtime Passes

Bedtime—it's that sacred moment when you tuck your preschooler into bed, plant a goodnight kiss, and cautiously step into the hallway. But let's be real, fellow parents, the night is far from over. How many times will they spring back up before drifting into dreamland? Or, if you're lucky, how soon until the excuses and imaginative complaints kick in?

"Mommy, I need to use the potty!" They claim, though you're certain they just did.

"Daddy, I'm thirsty, hungry, and my stomach hurts." And you know it's all part of the nightly charade.

"Mommy, why don't fish blink?" Or any other question you're delighted to discuss—just not at bedtime.

"Daddy, my leg hurts, I need a bandaid!" For an injury that mysteriously materialized seconds ago.

"I need a hug!" Or thirty. Sound familiar?

But, fear not, because here's the scoop—I've discovered a game-changer. Enter the world of "Bedtime Passes," a secret weapon tailor-made for the 3-year-olds and beyond in your life.

You can snag your own bedtime passes right here: Bedtime Wishes Free Pass Download

What is a Bedtime Pass?

A bedtime pass is precisely what it sounds like—a golden ticket granting your little one an extra hug, kiss, drink, or the opportunity to pose that burning question. It's their ticket to venture out of bed or summon you for a moment. The beauty? You get to decide how many passes they get each night—somewhere between one to three, entirely at your discretion. Place these magical passes on their bedside table, and here's the deal: if they call you or wander out of bed, they must cash in a bedtime pass. Once the passes are spent, the nighttime beckoning should cease.

Now, don't worry, there are no penalties for continued calls after pass exhaustion. Bedtime passes are more carrot than stick, offering an incentive-based approach. That said, you can absolutely establish a rule that post-pass use, you won't respond to further summons. Or, go the silent route—nonchalantly guide them back to bed.

The Power of Control

Bedtime passes empower your child with a sense of control over their bedtime routine. It's a strategy that works wonders in sidestepping those classic bedtime battles. Think about it—toddler-sized choices in pajamas, book selections, and even song preferences can make a world of difference. Let them feel in command, and watch the bedtime struggles fade away.

Now, I hear you thinking, "Sure, they'll burn through those passes, and I'll be back to square one." But guess what? Research has proven that kids armed with bedtime passes are more likely to cooperate at bedtime when they are given control. It's kind’ve bit mind-blowing, isn't it? But trust me, it works!

As an added incentive, here's a tip: allow your little one to cash in any unused passes the next morning for a small reward. Maybe a coveted donut hole or sweet snack if all three passes remain untouched? The key is to tailor it to your child's excitement level and what motivates them!

Ready to dive in? Grab your own set of bedtime passes here. Offer a brief explanation to your kiddo, perhaps indulge in a bit of role-playing during playtime, and let the bedtime revolution begin! And, of course, if you ever need extra support or have questions, feel free to drop me a message or schedule a discovery call with me!