Children's Sleep Problems and How to Solve them
Children Who Won’t Sleep or Who Wake in the Night
Jun 12, 2009
Putting any parenting technique into consistent practice is hard work. However, all parents and children need a good night’s sleep, so it is worth persisting even if the results aren’t immediate. Outlined below are the five top sleeping problems and ways to solve them.
The Child Who Won’t Go to Bed
A drink of water, a forgotten toy, needing the toilet, a funny noise, a monster in the wardrobe … there’s always one more reason not to go to bed.
If your child tries to avoid bedtime, pre-empt all possible excuses, say a firm and cheerful goodnight, and leave the room. If you think your child might be feeling anxious, keeping a night-light or the landing light on outside his room can help him to feel more secure.
The Child Who Won’t Stay in Bed
These children get into bed happily enough – but, two minutes later, they're prowling around.
Jack-in-the-box children should be returned to their rooms without any engagement. If need be, calmly tell him that it’s bed-time, but don’t allow him to involve you in any further conversation. And don’t give up when you’ve done it repeatedly to no apparent avail. If need be, ask your partner to take over, using exactly the same technique.
The Child Who Wakes Early
The early riser is a common sight to parents. Come the crack of dawn, he's pulling your covers off and asking for his breakfast.
Early risers can be helped by a bunny alarm: the child has to remain in bed until the rabbit "wakes up". Alternatively, use a "magic lamp". If your child wakes at five o'clock, set the timer to switch the light on at five, and reward him for staying in his bed until the light has come on. Then move the lamp timer on five minutes every day until his wake-up time fits your family routine.
The Child Who Wakes During the Night
Some children wake for no apparent reason, and are unable to settle themselves back to sleep.
These children can be settled briefly. Don’t be tempted to carry him into your bed unless you’re happy to set up a potentially long-term co-sleeping habit.
The Child Who Won’t Let you Leave the Room
You think your child is quiet and ready for sleep – but as soon as you start to leave the room, his eyes are wide open and he's crying.
The best technique to use with these children is the "gradual retreat" technique. You sit on a "sleepy cushion" in your child’s room, and gradually move out over a number of days. This can be a hard habit to break, but your persistence will eventually pay off.
Sleep Problems and Reward Charts
All these techniques can be used in conjunction with a reward chart; or children might even be rewarded by the Sleep Fairy, who leaves a treat in a special pot for those who stay quietly in their beds at bedtime.
Sleep problems and disturbed nights are common among young children and their parents. There are various techniques which can help you and your chlild to get a better night's sleep. If treated patiently and consistently, most sleep problems can be solved.
