Episode 8: Sibling Bedtime Battles

In this episode of Tantrum of the Week, Lynn McLean talks about a bedtime struggle many families face: a young child who melts down because an older sibling gets to stay up later.

What feels like a small difference to adults—just 30 minutes—can feel deeply unfair and overwhelming to a young child. When nightly tantrums take over bedtime, parents are often left exhausted, frustrated, and unsure how to respond without giving in.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why young children struggle so much with bedtime fairness
• What’s happening in your child’s nervous system during these meltdowns
• Why trying to teach “fairness” during a tantrum doesn’t work
• What to say (and what not to say) when your child is upset
• How to hold bedtime limits calmly while staying empathic

If bedtime has turned into a nightly battle because siblings have different rules, this episode will help you understand what’s really going on—and how to bring more calm and confidence back to your evenings.

Thanks for listening to *Tantrum of the Week* with Lynn McLean, LCSW-S, Registered Play Therapist–Supervisor™.

New episodes each week to help parents understand and respond to their child’s biggest feelings with calm, confidence, and connection.

Learn more about play therapy and parent coaching in Houston, Texas: https://www.houstonfamilytherapyassociates.com/

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