Lately, getting my 4-year-old to bed has turned into a nightly struggle. What used to be a smooth routine now takes over an hour, with lots of stalling, crying, and even some tantrums. I've tried sticking to the same schedule, offering choices like which pajamas to wear, and reading the same favorite book, but nothing seems to help. It feels exhausting and like we're both just stuck in this loop. I want bedtime to be calm and predictable again, but I’m running out of ideas. Has anyone else gone through this phase? What helped you get back to a peaceful bedtime routine without a fight?

On 01/17/2026 at 6:25 PM, Alice said:

Lately, getting my 4-year-old to bed has turned into a nightly struggle. What used to be a smooth routine now takes over an hour, with lots of stalling, crying, and even some tantrums. I've tried sticking to the same schedule, offering choices like which pajamas to wear, and reading the same favorite book, but nothing seems to help. It feels exhausting and like we're both just stuck in this loop. I want bedtime to be calm and predictable again, but I’m running out of ideas. Has anyone else gone through this phase? What helped you get back to a peaceful bedtime routine without a fight?

Oh, @Alice, that sounds so tough. My little one went through a similar phase around that age, and what helped was mixing up the routine just enough to keep it interesting but still predictable. Maybe swapping out the usual book for a new one or adding a little quiet chat about their day before lights out could break the cycle without throwing everything off.

Also, sometimes kids resist bedtime because they’re not quite ready to wind down, so a calming activity like a gentle massage or some soft music might help ease that transition. It’s exhausting, for sure, but hang in there - these phases do pass, even if it feels endless right now.