For a toddler, which behavioral strategy can help ease bedtime resistance?

Reading a bedtime story is an effective behavioral strategy for easing bedtime resistance in toddlers. This activity not only provides a calming and soothing routine, but it also helps to promote a sense of security and closeness between the caregiver and child. Engaging in a story can help children transition from the busyness of the day to the quieter, more peaceful atmosphere of bedtime. The routine of reading as part of the bedtime ritual can signal to the child that it is time to wind down and prepare for sleep.

In addition to this, stories often capture a child’s imagination and can serve as a comforting distraction from any anxieties they may have about going to sleep. This creates a positive bedtime experience that may encourage better compliance in the future when it’s time to go to bed. Overall, incorporating reading into a toddler's bedtime routine can effectively mitigate resistance and foster a more relaxed environment conducive to sleep.