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Praise and Recognition: The Secret to Toddler Sleep Success

When it comes to improving toddler sleep, praise and recognition are your best tools. The goal is to encourage MORE of the desired behavior by positively reinforcing it. While tools like sleep manners charts or sticker charts can be helpful (you can find some here or on Amazon or Etsy), the magic lies not in the chart itself but in how you respond to your toddler's behavior.


Toddler sleeping with parents
Toddlers are the most challenging at night


I remember when my daughter was about 3; she would get a sticker every time she stayed in her bed. After earning 7 stickers, she would get an ice cream.


It was going great until one slow Sunday afternoon when we decided to get ice cream just because. Suddenly, she lost interest in that reward. That’s when I realized—it’s not about the prize; it’s about the praise.

Focus on Praise, Not the Prize

Many parents rely on rewards like ice cream, toys, or stickers to motivate their toddlers, but these can lose their appeal quickly. Instead, focus on the power of praise to build lasting habits. Let’s explore two types of praise that can make a significant difference:


1. Social Praise: Talking About Their Achievements

One effective way to reinforce your toddler’s good behavior is to share their success with someone else. For example, you might call a friend or a family member and say, "You won’t believe what happened last night! [Child’s name] stayed in her bed the entire night. Can you believe that?" Hearing their achievements praised in front of others not only boosts their confidence but also makes them feel proud of their actions.


Why it works: Children crave recognition, especially from those they care about. When they hear you celebrating their behavior, it motivates them to keep it up. Plus, the act of involving others in their success creates a sense of community and shared excitement.


2. Emotional Praise: Expressing How Their Behavior Impacts You

Another powerful approach is to let your child know how their actions make you feel. For example, you could say, “I feel so well-rested today! I think I’ll have enough energy to play an extra 20 minutes of hide-and-seek (or whatever activity your child loves). Thanks for staying in your bed last night. It helped me get a good night’s sleep.”


Why it works: Children are naturally empathetic and enjoy knowing they’ve made a positive impact. By linking their behavior to a tangible benefit—like more playtime or a happier parent—you help them understand the value of their actions in a way that’s meaningful to them.


My Personal Experience with toddlers

I’ve used these techniques with my own daughter, and let me tell you, they work wonders. She’s seven now, and I still use these methods to reinforce positive behaviors, whether it’s not rolling her eyes at me or speaking kindly. The best part? These approaches don’t just apply to sleep; they’re useful for shaping all kinds of behaviors.


Ready to Give It a Try?

Remember, the key to a successful sleep journey is ensuring your toddler’s sleep needs are met. You can find sleep recommendations for toddlers here. If you’re looking for more support, I’d love to help. Request a free call here, and let’s start working on your sleep goals together!


Let me know how these praise techniques work for you. I’d love to hear your stories!

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