Written by: Amanda Levison, M.S., LMHC, LPC, CCBT
Everyone needs sleep to function properly. Children need more sleep than adults and babies need more sleep than anyone.
Why do You need sleep?
Sleep gives our body a time to rest and recharge for the next day. Many people believe that sleep gives your brain time to sort things out. Things often seem clearer after a good night's sleep.
How can you get your child to have a better night's sleep?
Have a steady bedtime routine. Pick a time and start getting ready for bed. Have your child change his or her clothes, use the bathroom, brush his or her teeth, and perhaps pick a story to hear to aid to relaxation.
Talk about something good which happened during the day. Keep the conversation light so there is nothing "new" on your child's mind.
Tell your child how much you love him or her. Nothing is better than a child laying down to sleep happy. What makes you happier than hearing how much you are loved? Not much!
Give hugs and kisses. Say Goodnight and I can't wait to see you in the morning!
Although many children will fight you about going to sleep, they know they need it. Putting a child to sleep takes a lot of patience and if your child gets out of bed multiple times, stay calm, and continue to put your child back to bed. Sooner or later (hopefully sooner not later) your child will fall asleep and you will be given time to have a little "me" time.
Until tomorrow night...
* Photo courtesy of Brooke Logue Photography.