Raising toddlers can be challenging for most parents, especially when it comes to putting them to sleep. There are several effective tactics you can try, which don’t always work, since each child responds to these tactics in a different way, depending on the child’s personality.
In order to find the most effective strategy suitable for you and your toddler, you will need to observe how your child responds to each technique. On the other hand, it is also important to be aware that although it is quite rare, sleep disorders do exist in toddlers.
Your Toddler’s Bedroom Environment
Train your toddler to associate his or her bedroom with only sleeping and playing. Any other activities, such as watching television or snacking should take place outside of the bedroom environment. Set your toddler’s sleep time and stick to it firmly every evening. Lie down with him, dim the lights, make sure the bedroom temperature is comfortable and the bedroom air is well ventilated, cuddle up and read a book together or sing a song softly, which should take around 20 minutes.
Enjoy Spending Time with Your Toddler
Allow your child to talk to you either about the book you are reading to him or perhaps if there is something that had happened during the day that he would like to share with you. Spend at least 20 to 30 minutes every evening with your toddler before he falls asleep and enjoy every minute of it, since it won’t last for long as children grow up very fast. Without doing so, it would typically take longer to get your toddler to sleep. Not to mention, you would likely get more frustrated.
On the other hand, when you give your child the time before bedtime he deserves, you will be able to raise a more balanced, happy child as well as it will be easier and smoother to established a punctual and calm sleep routine as well as a more fulfilling parenting experience. In fact, believe it or not, many parents are trying to find a sleep aid suitable for toddlers and babies, but what many parent’s don’t get is that healthy sleep habits don’t happen naturally. These habits need to be instilled in children. Therefore, if your toddler does not seem to drift off easily at night, your company is considered to be the best of the best natural sleep aids for him.
The Don’ts
Never punish you toddler by sending him into his bedroom. Your toddler should always associate his bedroom with relaxation, calmness and peace. He should feel safe in his bedroom and by sending him there when you are trying to discipline him would send out the wrong message.
Never rush your toddler’s bedtime routine. Give him the time he deserves before he goes to sleep. By spending time with him and trying to soothe him, he will likely go to sleep a lot faster.
Do not allow your toddler to drink a lot of fluids before bedtime. This will increase the chances of bedwetting or if the toddler is already toilet trained, he will be more likely to wake up to go to the bathroom.
About the author: A.S. Khan is passionate about raising her 3 wonderful children aged 4, 7 and 10. She writes for HolisticHubs.com about alternative therapies and natural remedies.
Photo credit: Armin Hanisch