Putting Your Child to Bed

One of the things that every parent will have to deal with sooner or later is the fact that there will be nights when their little one cannot sleep.

What should you do in these circumstances?

• If your child cannot sleep because they are afraid of the dark, do the best that you can to reassure them that there isn't anything present in the dark that isn't already there in the light. Also make sure that there is nothing in their room that might be casting ominous shadows once the lights are out.
• Make sure that your child is not going to bed with either too much or too little in their stomachs. A small snack that is light (i.e. cereal) can help if it is not taken too close to actual bedtime.
• Ask your child if the reason they are not sleeping is due to stress. Is there something happening in your life or your child's that could be making them anxious or nervous?
• Don't set your child's bedtime too early. As your child grows, you may find that you might have to change the time at which you put him or her to bed to accommodate different patterns in life.
• Ask your child if they are experiencing nightmares and, if so, take it seriously and talk them through it. Even for an adult, a really bad dream can keep you up at night.
• If necessary, allow your little one to sleep in the adult bed. This can reassure them and let them know that you are always near. Just do not let it become a habit.

By Chris Giardino