Mom finds toddler wide-awake—delight as she explains reason why

A video of a toddler trying her luck has gone viral on TikTok, racking up more than 1.3 million views in just three days.

The January 25 clip, shared by mom Chandler Archer (@chandlerarcher), shows her 21-month-old daughter standing in her crib, eager to stay up past her bedtime. The talkative toddler from Texas has a reasonable explanation as she points to the window and says, “It’s lighter outside.” Archer then asks, “So it’s time to wake up?”

The little girl pauses and realizes she is being filmed, so naturally says, “Cheese,” leaving internet viewers in hysterics. Newsweek is waiting for Archer to provide a comment.

The American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) provides the following sleep recommendations to support optimal health, daytime alertness, and school performance in children:

• Infants (4 to 12 months): 12 to 16 hours of sleep per 24 hours, including naps.
• Toddlers (1 to 2 years): 11 to 14 hours of sleep per 24 hours, including naps.
• Preschoolers (3 to 5 years): 10 to 13 hours of sleep per 24 hours, including naps.
• School-age children (6 to 12 years): 9 to 12 hours of sleep per 24 hours.

Expert Advice

Ana Aznar, a developmental psychologist based in London, gave Newsweek the following tips on how to get a toddler to nap during the daytime.

The founder of REC Parenting, an online platform supporting parents and caregivers, said that parents should start to set the scene a couple of hours before bedtime. She added that dimming the lights around the whole house helps.

Aznar said: “Not only in the child’s bedroom, otherwise you won’t fool them!

“Also, install blackout curtains or blinds in the child’s bedroom. And finally, stick to your child’s bedtime routine,” she added.

“Consistency is key when we think about children’s sleep (and our own). Remember also to turn off screens at least one hour before bed. Instead, read your child a story or sing lullabies.”

TikTok Reacts

As of now, the video has over 162,000 likes and almost 1,000 comments—many from parents who can relate.

“My son’s favorite thing is, ‘Mommy, the sun’s up, time to wake up,'” said one user, and another wrote: “We live in Alaska where there’s 24 hours of daylight in the summer and 3 hours in the winter. I have to remind my kids daily that the sun doesn’t dictate the time of day here.”

Other users are impressed with the toddler’s communication skills.

“Super smart for her little age … and well-spoken,” posted a third commenter, and a fourth added: “Her speech is incredible! So articulated.”

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