The Bedtime Chart

No more bedtime battles!

My son has been really struggling with bedtime. He takes forever to do each task, messing around, dragging things out, and getting distracted. Even with us standing next to him trying to keep him on task. Then once we have finally tucked him in and closed the door he gets up! He needs to pee (we know he just did), he doesn’t want to be alone, etc. It has become very triggering! My husband and I just want to get to the end, where the house is finally quiet. So, at my wits end, I went back to my Big Little Feelings course and looked up their video on bedtime. (Not an affiliate, I just really love their course and have had so much success with my toddler from it.)

The Chart

Our bedtime routine is already fairly consistent, and we try to give Griffin age appropriate choices to help him feel a sense of control. What we hadn’t done yet from Big Little Feelings recommendations was the bedtime chart. Griffin is almost four, so I had him help me make it as well.

First I asked him what we do during our bedtime routine. As he told me, I typed them out. Brush teeth, potty, put on pajamas, etc. Then I searched for a clipart image of each task and let him pick which image he liked best. I copy and pasted these next to the typed out item. Then after a little resizing I printed the list!

I use whiteboards around the house for calendars and lists, and Griffin LOVES them but doesn’t get to play with them because they are tools I use daily. Since he is such a fan I chose to tape his bedtime chart to a whiteboard. Now he gets to put a mark next to each item as he completes the task, and erase it the next day to start over. He’s super excited about it and I don’t have to print a page for him to write on every day. Win win! I used packing tape and covered the paper completely so that if he accidentally gets a mark on the chart side it will still wipe off easily.

Here is our chart. You are welcome to use it as a base and edit it to fit your routine.

Bedtime Chart.docx

Download DOCX • 419KB

My hope was that this chart would at least help us get him ready and in bed with less struggle. It did! Night and day difference. Griffin was so excited to check off each item that he didn’t battle to get each thing done. I wasn’t super strict about what order things went in, and he thrived on being able to pick which task to do next. It was a dream, and I’m keeping my fingers crossed that it continues and the novelty doesn’t wear off.

Added bonus, he didn’t get out of bed after being tucked in! He didn’t try to negotiate for more hugs and kisses, he didn’t get up for a fake pee, he didn’t cry or complain, he just was our sweet boy who said goodnight and went to sleep. I honestly couldn’t believe it. So if you’re struggling with bedtime, try a chart! Even if it’s just a piece of paper. And check out Big Little Feelings.

Here is the whiteboard I used if you want one. It's a good one I've had for years. If it stops erasing just use a wet wipes on it and it's like new again.