Sweet Dreams

By CJ Schomberg, Parent Educator, Parents as Teachers/Four Oaks

There is much to be said for “doing the same old thing” when it comes to getting your child to go to sleep. Establishing a regular bedtime routine will put you on the right track to a good night’s sleep for the whole family. Children thrive on consistency and structure throughout their day and especially at bedtime.

Common bedtime routines may include a snack, bath, teeth brushing, lullabies and stories, a back rub, and tucking in with a kiss and hug goodnight. The goal is for a child to go to sleep on his or her own. The child who is not dependent on rocking, a parent’s presence, a nightlight, drinking a bottle or breast to fall asleep, or the parental bed is a member of a well-rested family.

It is not uncommon for children to experience waking up in the night at different stages in development. When your child wakes at night, try the following steps:

1. Give your child a chance to fall asleep on his or her own. Wait out whimpering to see if your child is actually crying as opposed to making night sounds.
2. Make sure your child isn’t awake due to a real need, such as illness, tangled covers, or a wet bed.
3. Remain calm and quiet when dealing with your child. Pat them softly on the back. Tell them a quick “Shhhh, go to sleep now,” and leave the room.
4. If your child cries or calls out, wait five minutes before returning and then repeat the comforting process.
5. Add on five minutes each time to your waiting period, and your child is sure to fall asleep on their own.
6. It may be necessary (and usually is) to repeat these steps over a period of five to seven nights, by when crying should entirely stop and your child will drift off to sleep on their own.

If your child’s waking at night continues, consult a physician to eliminate the possibility that your child has sleep apnea. Observe your child’s daily routine for new stressors (for example, moving, parent absences, new school, or new sibling) that could lead to nightmares or sleep disturbances. Those issues will need to be addressed with your child before he or she can get a good night’s sleep.

The key points to remember in helping your child have a good night’s sleep are consistency in the structure of their day, bedtime routine, and calm and patient parenting.

Some great books to help encourage “sleepiness” include the following:

• The Going to Bed Book by Sandra Boynton
• Snoozers by Sandra Boynton
• Good Night Gorilla by Peggy Rathmunn
• Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown
• Owly by Mike Thaler
• Going to Sleep on the Farm by Wendy Cheyette Lewison
• Tell me Something Happy Before I Go to Sleep by Joyce Dunbar
• Russell the Sheep by Rob Scotton
• What the Moon Sees by Nancy Tafuri
• Ten Nine Eight by Molly Bang
• When Mama Comes Home Tonight by Eileen Spinelli
• Kisses by Nanda Roep and Marijke ten Cate