The Working Parent Juggle: When Sleep Feels Like One More Job
The Working Parent Juggle: When Sleep Feels Like One More Job
Let’s face it — working parents are doing the absolute most.
You’re handling meetings with crusty Weetabix on your jumper. Replying to emails one-handed while the other is negotiating toddler snack politics. You’re smiling at colleagues on Zoom like you didn’t just spend all night being kicked in the ribs by a small, wriggly person with the sleep habits of a caffeinated squirrel.
And just when the day should be winding down… bedtime begins.
But instead of a calm, snuggly end to the day, it often looks like this:
Your child is overtired, but still somehow full of energy.
You’re clinging to the last shreds of patience.
And no one — no one — is going to bed easily.
It’s no wonder bedtime feels like one more job. One more thing to figure out. One more drain on your already-frazzled brain.
Here’s the truth: it doesn’t have to be this hard.
When sleep works, everything works better.
✅ Your child is calmer, more regulated, and better able to cope with the world.
✅ You’re more focused at work, more present at home, and less likely to lose it over a missing shoe.
✅ And bedtime? It becomes a moment of connection — not conflict.
Imagine coming home to a little one who knows what’s coming next…
Bath. Book. Cuddles. Sleep.
No drama. No delays. Just a calm, predictable routine that feels safe, secure, and soothing — for both of you.
That’s not some Pinterest-perfect fantasy. That’s what happens when sleep is supporting your family, not sabotaging it.
So, how do we get there?
There’s no magic switch — but there are gentle, practical strategies that make a real difference. Here are a few you can start with tonight:
🕒 Stick to a simple bedtime routine
Children thrive on predictability. Even 10–15 minutes of consistency each night — think bath, PJs, stories, cuddles — helps their brain and body wind down. It’s the difference between “What’s happening now?” and “Oh, it’s bedtime. Got it.”
☀️ Watch those wake windows
When kids stay awake too long between naps or bedtime, their stress hormones kick in — and suddenly they’re overtired and wired. Learn your child’s ideal wake windows for their age, and aim to catch the sleepy signs before they hit meltdown mode.
💡 Dim the lights
Bright lights (especially from screens) confuse the brain’s internal clock. Start turning down the lights an hour before bed, swap screens for quiet play, and create a calm environment that tells their body: “It’s time to sleep.”
❤️ Make bedtime a connection point
Your child has missed you. A few undistracted minutes to cuddle, read a story, or simply chat about their day goes a long way. Kids who feel emotionally topped up are more likely to settle and sleep well.
Need personalised help?
If bedtime still feels like chaos, despite your best efforts — it might be time for a fresh, expert perspective.
That’s where I come in.
Sometimes it’s not about trying harder — it’s about getting the right support. If you’re ready to stop second-guessing and start sleeping better, let’s talk.
🎯 On a FREE Sleep Assessment Call, we’ll chat through what’s going on with your child’s sleep, what’s not working, and how I can help.
💡 You’ll leave with clarity, compassion, and the next step forward — no pressure, no fluff.
Just real, gentle guidance from someone who gets it.
👉 Click here to book your free call
Let’s make sleep one less thing to worry about — and give you back the evenings (and energy) you’ve been missing.
