Why Bedtime Becomes a Power Struggle — and What Kids Are Really Asking For

Why does bedtime turn into a sudden flood of needs — water, snacks, questions, emotions — right when the lights go out?   In this episode, I sit down with a pediatric sleep consultant, Brittany, to unpack what’s really happening during bedtime resistance. We talk about why children often appear “dehydrated” or emotionally needy at night, how daytime boundaries impact nighttime sleep, and what parents can do to create calmer, more predictable bedtimes without power struggles.   This conversation is especially helpful for parents of toddlers and young children who want gentle, developmentally appropriate sleep support — without rigid rules or crying it out.   If bedtime feels exhausting, chaotic, or emotionally charged, this episode will help you reframe what your child is asking for and how to respond with confidence.   My Favorites: 👉 Skylight Calendar 👉 Sleep tools https://www.amazon.com/shop/ashleyventriceco/list/2WLZ45PFLYFL8?ref_=aipsflist    Resources: 👉 Routine Podcast on Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-ashley-ventrice-show/id1847402433?i=1000736251305 👉 Visual Schedule https://ashleyventriceco.etsy.com/listing/4403618690/editable-the-neurodiverse-toddler-daily    Follow Me: 👉 Visit my website http://www.ashleyventrice.com                  👉 YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@ashleyventriceco                                   👉 TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@ashleyventriceco                                                👉 Instagram https://www.instagram.com/ashleyventriceco 👉 Pinterest https://www.pinterest.com/ashleyventriceco   Join:                                                                                                            👉 Toddler Community on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1641FC2sDa/   👉 Connect with Brittany https://www.instagram.com/brittany_sleepconsultant/ Or https://www.goodnightnursebh.com    Follow Me: 👉 Visit my website http://www.ashleyventrice.com                  👉 YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@ashleyventriceco                                   👉 TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@ashleyventriceco                                                👉 Instagram https://www.instagram.com/ashleyventriceco 👉 Pinterest https://www.pinterest.com/ashleyventriceco   Join:                                                                                                            👉 Toddler Community on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1641FC2sDa/