THE EVOLUTION OF SLEEP
What to do right now, based on what you see
Level 1
Moving constantly or unable to stay still
Talking, vocalizing, laughing, or making lots of noise
Running, jumping, crashing, climbing, or seeking big movement
This can be one of the hardest states to manage at bedtime. You may already be exhausted. Your child is getting more wound up, and every attempt to settle things seems to make things worse.
It can look like they're not listening. They may simply have much less capacity to slow down and respond to you right now.
Your child may be highly activated and having a harder time regulating their movement, attention, and responses. What looks like misbehaviour or not listening may not be deliberate. Right now, slowing down and responding to more instructions may simply be harder for them.
Reduce talking, questions, and instructions
Don't make stillness or quiet the immediate goal
Give the movement somewhere safe to go
If movement usually helps your child, try something simple such as pushing against a wall, carrying something, marching, or jumping
Keep your words short while they move
As the intensity begins to come down, make the next step simple and predictable
Slightly slower movement
Less intensity β quieter or less force
One small response to you
Sometimes this works quickly. Sometimes it doesn't. That doesn't necessarily mean the approach was wrong. Your child isn't starting from exactly the same place every night, and on some nights they may need more time or a different kind of support.
Want to understand why this works some nights and not others?
Level 2 explains what can change inside this pattern β and how to tell when your child needs a different response. Enter your email for immediate access.
We respect your privacy. No spam, ever.