Happy Parenting!

(From The "Positive Parenting" Files...)

If you're the parent of a preschooler or toddler then you have probably encountered the problem of getting your child to sleep at a reasonable time. It seems like an impossible thing to do, especially when you look at the nearest clock which reads midnight and your little one is wide awake. What can you do to make the situation better?

First and foremost, you will need to find out exactly how long your child naps for during the day. You can easily request that your childcare provider limit the length of the midday nap. If you have already tried doing such then it is time to move on to more drastic tactics.

The key to getting your little one to sleep is to have a set routine and stick with it. Whether that is giving a bath, reading a book and then getting them off to bed or what have you, it is important to establish a routine. Starting off wrong can spell disaster for you in the long run.

Many experts suggest bargaining with your child. For example, if your little one enjoys drawing pictures you might make the following bargain, “One more picture and then it’s off to bed.” If that doesn’t work then you might consider having soft, soothing music play in the background. Quite often music can soothe the mind of even the most active youngster.

Another tip is to make sure that the décor of your child’s room is appealing to them. Have them help select the bed linen and wall appliqués as well. If your child feels that the room is inviting then they are more apt to want to spend more time in there. Your little one will begin to associate bedtime with going to their room that they like. This will make the bed time transition that much easier.

Cut down on sweets after dinner. Sugar can serve as an energy booster especially in small children who love to play. For toddlers and preschoolers the to play is to explore new things and have tons of fun. You will find that doing something as simple as cutting sweets out will have a powerful and lasting effect on the night time behavior of your child. It will also help in getting them to sleep and in the swing of a sleep routine.

If by chance you have tried all of the above and you are at your wits end, then you might need to speak with your child’s pediatrician for guidance. While erratic sleep times may appear to be normal amongst toddlers and preschoolers, it is important that you consult with a medical professional if you have tried everything to get your child to sleep.

One of the things that you might consider, prior to going to see a pediatrician, is to have your child sleep in bed with you. This may be helpful in getting them to bed at a reasonable time.

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