Why Do Some Kids Ask For Water Before Bed?

Why do some children ask for water before bed? When reading this question, you will certainly have remembered some scene similar to your little ones.

You tuck them in, kiss them goodnight, turn off the lights, and close the door; but after a few minutes one of them asks you for some water. This behavior is common in some families. 

It is also thought that it may be the  request for paternal presence, or sometimes simply thirst. We will briefly examine these arguments next.

Caprice and manipulation

Some parents say that children ask for water before bed because it’s a way of seeing how much control they have over their parents.

It is true that some children make a fuss about the way parents educate and satisfy their children’s needs and desires. However, for a child,  wanting to manipulate his parents through a glass of water is a very complex and difficult act  to plan.

For this reason, children are not able to ask for water before bed, keeping in mind this quest for manipulation or simple whimsy.

want to spend more time with you

In the case of other parents, they believe that children ask for water before bed because they don’t spend enough time with their little ones. Particularly if the couple works and they feel a little guilty about neglecting their children.

However, this behavior in children  also happens in families whose parents allocate quality and quantity time to their children. 

On the other hand, let’s think about the time it takes for little ones to drink water. If by chance this act takes less than a minute; it is too brief for children to interact with their parents.

This indicates that  the reason some children ask for water before bedtime is not to spend more time with their parents,  but it goes further.

really thirsty

Drinking water and being hydrated is essential for the good development of children. Sometimes children may not have had enough water and may be thirsty during the night. In fact, it’s not bad for the child to ask for water.

However, it is necessary for parents to observe their children’s daily fluid intake. If the request is repeated on several occasions, or if you notice that your child drinks plenty of water, it  could be a symptom of childhood diabetes. In such a case, you should consult a specialist to avoid any health problems or complications.

Why some children ask for water before bed: to know you are there

As we saw earlier, some of the reasons parents think for their children to ask for water before bed are not very logical.

Because we think like adults, not children. Little ones have a different way of understanding their surroundings and the world, including their relationship with their parents.

First of all,  we must remember that children are totally dependent on their parents. In them they find the refuge and protection they need to feel secure. In fact,  a vital aspect of children’s development is feeling protected.

For this reason, children sometimes need to prove that they rely on their parents unconditionally. They want to “make sure” that you are there with them if something happens overnight. And one way to do this is to ask for water before bed.

what can you do about it

Do not freak out

Remember,  your child’s goal is to confirm that you are there for him. As adults, we may think that because they are our children, they will automatically trust us, but that is not the case.

Parenthood isn’t as simple as programming a robot so the kids don’t doubt us. As parents,  we have to make them feel safe and comfort them whenever it’s healthy to do so.

So keep this advice in mind and you’ll find it will help you stay calm when you feel like you’re losing your temper. Love must be the basis of your creation and they need it.

spend time with your kids

Spending at least an hour a day with your children will help the children to notice your affection and interest. Also, at night you can do certain activities with them, such as reading a story.

You can also do breathing exercises with your children so they can relax and rest properly. This will help them stop feeling the urge to call their parents for a glass of water.

Help them to manage their emotions

The emotional education that parents bring to their children can be of great help. That you teach them to manage their emotions and also show them love will prepare them for a more satisfying and stable adult stage.

Also pay attention to your children satisfying their craving for water before bed, it  is important to teach them to do things on their own in a progressive way; which includes going to the kitchen to drink water themselves, even before going to bed.

Conclusions

In short,  the reason why some children ask for water before bedtime is due to an affective and emotional need. To meet this need, little ones require the comfort that parents bring to feel secure.

Remember, your kids don’t do this to annoy, manipulate or just throw a tantrum. They just want to feel comforted and protected.

However, if you notice any unusual behavior, you can consult with an expert to apply the necessary measures.

Have you ever been through this? We would like to know how you solved the problem.