The Party Hangover (and I Don’t Mean Yours)
My daughter went to a third birthday party today. She had the time of her life - and honestly, I did too… once I’d emotionally prepared myself like I was about to enter a combat zone. Because let’s be real: walking into a soft play centre on a Saturday afternoon is not for the faint-hearted.
You open that door and BAM, it’s like being front row at a death metal concert. The air is thick with the sound of screaming toddlers, the faint smell of urine and vomit, plastic balls whizzing past your face, and the lingering aroma of chicken nuggets and despair. You can literally feel the viruses forming a conga line straight for your already fragile autumn immune system.
But there you are, smiling like the Joker, nodding at other parents who are clearly also questioning their life choices, all while pretending you’re having the best time ever. Because we’re good mums. We show up. We clap. We eat the cake. We cheer when someone’s child (not ours) blows out the candles for the birthday kid.
Fast-forward two hours and your little one is buzzing like she’s had a double espresso. Because let’s not forget: kids’ parties are basically a perfect storm of sugar, noise, flashing lights, and overstimulation. It’s like giving a tiny, sleep-sensitive human a Red Bull and then wondering why bedtime turns into a full-scale negotiation with a gremlin.
So, what’s a parent to do when the sugar crash hits and bedtime feels like a far-off fantasy?
Here’s how to support your little one (and your sanity) after the chaos:
🧘♀️ 1. Slow the energy way down
When you get home, dim the lights, ditch the screens, and create a calm vibe. Think quiet play, books, or a warm bath. Basically, anything that doesn’t flash, sing, or require batteries.
🩷 2. Reconnect before rest
After all that excitement, little ones often need a bit of emotional grounding. A cuddle, a story, or a few minutes of gentle chat about the day can help them feel safe and settled before sleep.
🍓 3. Offer a reset snack
If your child’s had enough sugar to power a small city, a small protein-rich snack (like yogurt or toast with peanut butter) can help even out blood sugar levels before bed.
🌙 4. Stick to your routine (as much as humanly possible)
Even if bedtime’s running late, try to keep the same order of events - bath, book, bed. Routine is their anchor after chaos.
💫 5. And finally… give yourself grace
Because you just survived a toddler rave armed only with a lukewarm coffee and a pocketful of wet wipes. You’re doing amazing.
If you’re reading this while googling “how to get my kid to sleep after a birthday party,” know this: it’s not just you. We’re all out here smiling through the chaos, clutching our hand sanitiser, and praying for a decent night’s sleep.
Now if you’ll excuse me, I’m off to Dettol my entire being and light the sage (I know you know!).
Danni x