THE KEY TO YOUR CHILD GETTING A GOOD NIGHT’S SLEEP

July 5, 2018

Here’s the key to giving your child a good night’s sleep.

As a parent, do you dread the evening hours because bedtime is such a struggle? Do your children do everything they can to delay turning the lights out? These all-too-common scenarios play out in countless households every evening, leaving Mum and Dad wondering what they can do to help their kids to sleep without tears and drama.

“Kids really need to sleep properly to have enough energy to make it through the day, think smart thoughts and grow properly,” says Jennifer Waldburger, a family sleep therapist.

Establishing a regular bedtime routine is key and anyone putting the child to bed must be on that same schedule. “Stay consistent. Make sure you stick to that routine and schedule,” stresses Waldburger.

5 simple steps that can be part of a good bedtime routine include:

* Quiet, calm play on the floor. Avoid stimulating toys that are noisy or have flashing lights.

* Rocking and reading story books. Try making up a story together that feels very calming and relaxing and happy for a child. Sing together or listen to calm music.

* Start a favourite ritual, such as saying good night to the stuffed animals or the moon.

* Turn on white noise such as a fan.

* Offer a transitional object such as a small blanket or stuffed animal as well as and a brief cuddle before leaving the room.