Helpful Tips!
There was no greater time of exhaustion in my life than when I had children who didn’t sleep. As a mum of kids who battled with multiple sleep issues this was one of the most challenging times of parenthood and marriage that I had ever experienced!
I felt frazzled, teary and overwhelmed most of the time in those early months. Those precious zzzz’s were like gold. Are you in the same boat? It does get better!
Here are 5 things that can make a big difference.
Spend time with your child at bedtime
Many young children experience anxiety when they are separated from their parents and also experience night-time fears.
A great way to help kids suffering from anxiety is to sit with them at night, talk about any worries they have, comfort them and be there for them before sleep. Even 5 minutes can make a big difference. Gentle physical touch, such as a foot massage can also help as it relaxes the nervous system.
Routine, routine, routine.
Kids love it, they thrive on it, and it works. One study found that a consistent night-time routine improved sleep in children who had mild to moderate sleep problems. It helps your child learn to be sleepy.
There is no single routine that’s right for everyone, but in general, stick to the same bedtime every night and be firm about sleep time when it’s time to sleep. If you’re child goes to bed at 7.30pm, make sure you leave enough time for rituals before bed.
Connect with a Bedtime Ritual
Having a calm environment where there is harmony in the house can go a long way to helping a child sleep well. We suggest introducing a calming bedtime ritual, such as reciting a mantra together, focusing on gratitude using a sleep balm and reading.
Make Sleep a Priority
When parents understand the necessity for a good night’s sleep, then it becomes a family priority. With that comes the understanding that at 7:15pm, no matter what else is going on, the ritual begins.
Make sure you turn off any tv or computers you have at least 60 minutes before bed to allow your child to adjust from blue light exposure. Try to avoid negotiating with your child at bedtime and do not enter into a battle if they protest. Calmly remind them of the new rules and continue. Remember, this is what they need.
Sleep environment
Make sure the bedroom is dark and quiet and the noise level in the house is low. If your child does not like a totally dark room, turn on a small night light, or leave the hall light on and the door to the bedroom open. Once the environment in the bedroom is consistent most nights, it will also become a signal for sleep.
