Why Do Children Ask For Water When They Are Put To Bed?

Why do children ask for water before going to bed? You have probably spent a thousand nights like this with your child: When he is ready to sleep, he has an important request. One of the most common things that children ask for when they go to bed:  water.

Many parents end up losing patience when this circumstance arises. Others manage to unravel the mystery behind this annoying, insistent and curious situation. But why does it happen to us every night through our child’s childhood? Why do children ask for water before going to bed?

Why do children ask for water before they go to sleep

Every time kids ask for water just before going to bed, you think they just forgot to drink enough during the day. Then you discover a surprising detail: the child takes only one sip.

This is where the imagination of worried or frustrated parents begins to circulate in search of possible explanations for this curious phenomenon.

Is it manipulation? Will they show their power?

All of these hypotheses point to an eye opener.

The reality, though, is that kids can’t make scams like this. These actions are too intentional and complex. They are therefore not trying to drain you of patience. It’s time to get rid of these bug fixes that go through your head.

Many parents will associate this inquiry with a desire to be allowed to enjoy our company for a little longer. But if we think about the time it takes to sip such a small amount of water, this theory falls to the ground. In this range, company is not what the child wants.

So why do children ask for water when they are put to bed?

Just when we are going to relax after a long and hard day, children ask for water before going to sleep. Do not get overwhelmed or lose your patience. The real reason behind this typical night situation is more complex than you might imagine.

In fact, with this simple but perhaps inappropriate desire, your child is asking you something completely different. Basically, they want to know if they can count on you no matter what, unconditionally. They need you. They will feel that they are not alone if they need you at night.

Your child needs to know that if he calls on father or mother, he will be protected. Reassure him and give him extreme reassurance. Younger children depend a lot on their parents, especially at night when the darkness scares them.

Your child wants to get confirmation that his beloved parents will take care of him, that he can blindly trust them if anything should happen. What is at stake here is not your patience, but rather your ability to answer if he calls, to comfort and reassure him.

More than thirst

To deal with this situation, we must remain calm, patient, and loving. That is ultimately what every child requires. Herein lies our success as parents and the key to our children’s happiness.

It is not about thirst, discomfort, manipulation or bad will. A glass of water is nothing more than a pretext. Sometimes it can even be a true need, but the vast majority of the time there is another need of an emotional nature.

One last hug or a sweet, extra kiss. To be caressed and to feel the warmth of our parents. Our children just want to know that we are available to them. They want to feel that we are reliable and loyal at all costs. The comforting and positive aspect of this situation is that it will not last forever.

That is why it is so important to enjoy all these situations, even those that generally drive us crazy. After all, sooner or later, you will end up missing this golden stage.

As you can see, it’s just about understanding the child so as not to waste energy on getting angry, but instead investing our time in offering all our love.