Being a mom in California feels like you’re constantly running a marathon that never ends.
Between managing work, the rising cost of living, school schedules, and trying to squeeze in a moment of “me time,” it can feel like there’s barely a second to breathe.
And just when you think you’ve made it through another hectic day, the bedtime battles begin.
Your child is glued to their screen—whether it’s a tablet, smartphone, or TV.
You ask them to get ready for bed, and suddenly it feels like you’ve declared war.
Sound familiar?
If you’re nodding your head, you’re definitely not alone.
Bedtime battles over screen time have become an all-too-common struggle, leaving many of us feeling drained and burnt out.
What seems like a minor conflict can snowball into a nightly source of stress, especially when it happens day in and day out.
It’s like we’re all just waiting for that one easy bedtime that never comes.
The Real Cost of Bedtime Battles
What many of us don’t realize is that these nightly struggles aren’t just frustrating—they’re contributing to a serious rise in burnout among California moms. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, about 57%
of mothers report symptoms of burnout, with a significant chunk attributing these feelings to ongoing battles over screen time. And it’s not just the exhaustion from arguing; it’s the emotional toll of feeling like every evening ends in conflict.
And then there’s the sleep—or lack thereof.
Poor sleep affects everything, from our mood to our patience levels. When bedtime turns into a battle, it often means that both kids and moms aren’t getting the restful sleep they need.
Research published in BMJ Open shows that disrupted sleep related to screen time can lead to higher rates of anxiety and depression for parents.
It’s a vicious cycle: tired kids lead to tired moms, and tired moms lead to more challenging bedtimes.
Simple Strategies to Ease the Stress
The good news is, there are some simple ways to reduce the stress and make bedtime a little less chaotic. Here are a few tried-and-true strategies that can help:
- Establish Clear Boundaries Around Screen Time: Let’s be real—kids need structure, even if they resist it at first. Setting clear rules like “no screens 30 minutes before bed” can help them understand when it’s time to start winding down. Stick to these boundaries consistently, and soon enough, they’ll know what to expect.
- Create a Calming Bedtime Ritual: This doesn’t have to be Pinterest-perfect. Think about incorporating small, soothing activities like dimming the lights, reading a short bedtime story, or doing a few minutes of deep breathing or gentle stretching. The goal is to signal that it’s time to relax and get ready for sleep.
- Model Good Screen Habits Yourself: Our kids learn by watching us, so if we’re glued to our phones until bedtime, they’re going to think it’s okay. Show them what it looks like to unwind without a screen. Whether it’s reading a book, chatting with them about their day, or doing a quick relaxation exercise together, it makes a big difference.
- Positive Reinforcement Works Wonders: Encourage good bedtime behavior with small rewards, like choosing a weekend movie or an extra story. Positive reinforcement can make bedtime feel less like a battle and more like a cooperative effort.
Your Go-To Resource: The 10-Minute Bedtime Detox & Connect Plan
If you’re looking for a bit more structure or a fresh approach to handling bedtime, the 10-Minute Bedtime Detox & Connect Plan might be just what you need. It’s designed with busy moms in mind—those of us who don’t have the luxury of spending an hour crafting the perfect bedtime routine. This isn’t about creating a Pinterest-perfect moment; it’s about practical, quick wins that make a real difference.
In this guide, you’ll find three simple, Montessori-inspired steps that help shift the focus from screens to meaningful connection and calm, all in just ten minutes. Whether you have a little one who needs a calm-down activity or a tween who needs help transitioning away from their device, this plan offers easy-to-implement ideas tailored to fit your evening schedule.
Why You’ll Love It
Here’s what you’ll get when you download the guide:
- A Clear, Easy-to-Follow Routine: No more guesswork! You’ll know exactly what to do to help your child wind down without screens.
- Activities That Foster Connection: The guide focuses on small, meaningful moments that help build your bond with your child, even on the busiest days.
- Flexibility to Fit Your Family: You can adapt the steps to suit your child’s needs and interests, making it easier to stick to a routine that works for everyone.
Remember, It’s About Progress, Not Perfection
At the end of the day, being a mom is tough, and we’re all just trying to do our best.
Bedtime doesn’t have to be perfect; it just needs to work for you and your family. Start with one or two tips that resonate with you and build from there. And remember, you’re not alone in this. We’ve got each other’s backs.
Here’s to finding a little more peace, one evening at a time.
References
- American Academy of Pediatrics. “Media and Children.” Available at: AAP.org.
- National Institute of Mental Health. “Any Anxiety Disorder.” Available at: NIMH.gov.
- BioMed Central. “Parent Stress and Mental Health.” BMC Public Health, 2019. Available at: BMC Public Health.
- BMJ Open. “Impact of Sleep Disruption on Mental Health.” BMJ Open, 2020. Available at: BMJ Open.
