Key points

When challenging behaviors occur repeatedly, structured routines and limits can bring peace to the day.

If children must be woken, they are not getting enough sleep. Structured bedtime routines protect sleep.

With a structured morning routine, a child is dressed and ready for the day before leaving the sleeping space.

Structure provides the consistency and predictability that calms everyone.

The advice of many parenting experts tends to focus on whatever challenging behavior is occurring in the moment, such as the meltdown, the morning war, or bedtime battle. Of course, the adult’s response in that moment is important, but it is exhausting to be constantly called into action. No adult, not even the most skilled and serene parent, can remain calm under a constant onslaught

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