Funny Bedtime Excuses and Tips for Helping Kids Sleep Better

Bedtime can be challenging, especially for children with ADHD. Their heightened anxiety and need for attention can make winding down more difficult. However, with the right approach, parents can help their children settle in for a peaceful night’s sleep. Here are some of the funniest bedtime excuses kids come up with, along with practical tips to help children sleep better.

Funny Bedtime Excuses Kids Come Up With

1. Strange Questions:

   • "Mom, what is a fax machine and how does it work?" (From a 4-year-old!)

   • "Why do I have two eyes when I only see one thing?"

   • "Does pasta grow on trees?"

2. Classic Excuses to Delay Bedtime:

   • "But I need some water first!"

   • "I need to floss my teeth!" (Even though you never actually floss!)

   • "I'm too tired to go upstairs to bed."

3. Blaming Others:

   • "But my bunny doesn't want to go to bed!"

   • "My brain told me I need to stay awake, I have things to do."

   • "I'm busy counting to a million."

4. Random Facts That Must Be Shared:

   • "I thought my hand was missing, but I lifted my sleeve and found it, I just wanted to tell you."

   • "I want to tell you something that happened last week..."

   • "Do you think Nora in my class likes me?"

Tips for Helping Your Child Sleep Better

1. Start a “Winding Down” Routine Before Bed
   Half an hour before bedtime, encourage activities that promote relaxation. Reading a calming story, coloring, or doing some quiet puzzles can help your child transition from playtime to bedtime.

2. Maintain a Consistent Sleep Schedule
   Even on weekends and holidays, it’s crucial to stick to consistent sleep and wake times. Kids thrive on routine, and a regular schedule helps them wind down more easily at night.

3. Avoid Bright Blue Light at Night
   The blue light emitted by devices like phones and tablets can disrupt sleep. Turn off screens at least an hour before bed to help your child’s body prepare for sleep.

4. Use a Soft Night Light
   If your child relies on a night light, choose one with a warm, soft glow rather than a bright, cold light. Bright lights can interfere with melatonin production and make it harder for your child to fall asleep.

5. Try Apps Like “Moshi” and “Yoto”
   Apps designed to help children sleep—like “Moshi,” which includes relaxing music and stories, and “Yoto,” which offers bedtime stories and podcasts—can be great tools to create a soothing environment before bed.

6. Ensure Plenty of Physical Activity During the Day
   Make sure your child gets enough exercise throughout the day. However, avoid overactive play just before bed to ensure your child has time to unwind.

7. Keep the Bedroom Cool
   A cool room promotes better sleep. Aim for a room temperature between 16°C and 20°C for infants and between 18°C and 22°C for older children to help them sleep more comfortably.

Experiences of Parents in Dealing with Bedtime Struggles

1. Afarah’s Experience:
   "My seven-year-old son struggles with bedtime every night. He asks a thousand questions and repeats 'I love you' over and over, followed by checking under the bed and in the closets. He also uses the bathroom several times."

2. Mariam’s Experience:
   "My biggest challenge is my son wanting to sleep in a different spot every night. He says he gets bored of his bed. We try to allow him to sleep in other areas on some nights, but on regular nights, he must sleep in his room. I’ve also noticed that he feels better when we read together or talk for a while before bed."

3. Soad’s Experience:
   "My eight-year-old son needs a lot of attention before bed, so we’ve adjusted his routine. I lay in his bed with him for a while, talk a little, then pretend to fall asleep beside him. After 10 minutes, he usually falls asleep on his own."

4. Reefa’s Experience:
   "My son has nighttime anxiety and wants to control his environment to feel better. He insists on having a specific nightlight, and if anything changes, it causes a meltdown. We try to address his fears by talking through them and offering comfort before bedtime."

Managing Bedtime for Children with ADHD

1. Manage Anxiety: Children with ADHD often experience heightened anxiety, which can make bedtime particularly challenging. Helping your child calm down through relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or gentle yoga can be beneficial.

2. Create a Consistent Routine: Routine is essential for children with ADHD. Having a predictable series of events before bed—such as reading, then tucking in—lets them know that sleep is approaching.

3. Use Positive Reinforcement: Children with ADHD thrive on consistency and positive reinforcement. Rewarding good bedtime behavior or offering incentives for staying in bed can encourage cooperation.

In conclusion, helping a child with ADHD get the sleep they need requires patience and consistency. By providing a calm, predictable bedtime routine, maintaining a comfortable environment, and offering emotional support, you can improve their chances of falling asleep more easily and getting the rest they need.