October 2018 | JoAnn Robinson When a child climbs out of the crib, it can be a safety challenge. This can be hard to prevent and some parents use this as a cue to transition to a toddler bed, which is lower to the floor. Parents need to consider what their long term goals are for their toddler: If you want him/her to stay in his/her room, you need to be ready to help the child stay there. Access to the door is increased with a toddler bed. Sleep experts recommend parents purchase a doorknob grip to help prevent this. Sitting outside the door for a time may be needed to redirect a toddler who is reluctant to stay in the new bed. Redirect calmly, limiting contact to a few minutes, repeating a routine phrase, such as: “I need to keep you safe in your bed. Lie down in your bed, honey.” Hum a quiet melody for a minute or two; gently rub his/her back. Leave quietly, without speaking, and close the door. Be prepared to stay by the door until the child has settled.
Questions? Email us at solutions@peaceathomeparenting.com
And now for the shameless plug…
Don’t have a Peace at Home Parenting Portal? Let’s fix that. Ask your company, school, or favorite neighborhood group to join us. We’ve got Corporate, K-12 School, and Family Service programs that bring calm to the chaos—no yoga mat required. Click here to join as an individual or family.
Bedtime shouldn’t feel like a nightly power struggle. Yet for many families, evenings are filled with stalling, tears, worries, and repeated wake-ups that leave...
January 14 , 2026
Screen-time meltdowns aren’t just 'bad behavior'—they are often driven by a powerful and addictive dopamine loop cycle. Curious? In a dopamine loop, your child’...
January 12 , 2026
You are your child’s first teacher. This is why establishing positive routines for your toddler is crucial. Together you and your child will learn what is neede...
January 07 , 2026
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s values—nonviolence, empathy, courage, and service—can be taught to our kids through everyday parenting. This guide turns MLK’s big...
January 06 , 2026
Is it possible to break the screen cycle and regain control and peace at home? Yes, it is! If you feel your family's stuck in a dopamine loop and you want peace...
January 01 , 2026
We want to share some important ideas about brain development that will support you to build positive routines and a secure foundation for lifelong learning tog...
December 07 , 2025