How to Get Children to Sleep
Children with sleep problems not only have detrimental effects on their health but also cause their parents restlessness. A good night’s sleep refreshes kids both mentally and physically to wake up bright, ready for a new day. You cannot make your children go to sleep forcibly. You have to think out tactics that will put them to sleep in a gentle way. These steps may include making changes to the environment so that it is more conducive for rest. Our step by step guide is here to help you with the sleep issues of your children.
Instructions
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1
The sleep routine
Make a sleep and wake up routine for your kid. Nature will take care of most of the details from here. Once you set a routine, make sure you stick to it like the dinner timings, homework etc. In any case, your child should be in bed in the designated times because that is what his mind has been accustomed to. At times, parents let kids sleep late due to television shows or weekend plans which distorts their sleep pattern for the rest of the week. Keep at least two hours space between dinner and bedtime to allow the body considerable time for metabolism. -
2
Sleep duration
babies and junior school kids usually sleep up to ten hours while teens sleep around eight hours on average. The amount of sleep required for the body to refresh itself depends on the nature of activities of your kid. Depending on these duration, you might have to send your child earlier to bed than the adults in the house. Do not give in to the ‘one more story or movie’ pleas because it is going to alter their routine. -
3
A favorable environment
Draw the curtains at bedtime. Choose curtain colors which are dark. Get lamps or dim night lights to make a soothing ambiance that will help the kid go to sleep. Some children love the sound of soft music or lullaby in the background. Many parents sing lullaby to their children themselves. Keep clutter off the bed and change the sheets regularly. Fresh sheets are relaxing factors in themselves. -
4
Bedtime activities
Get the child a warm fragrant bath which will relieve him of the day’s tiredness and leave the body wanting to rest. Bath before bedtime is an activity that every parent should encourage in children because it is a great hygiene boost. Make before bed teeth brushing a ritual in the family. Many children feel comfortable when they curl up next to their favorite toy or teddy bear. Some others are most easy wearing their favorite pajamas and this is something which sets their mood to sleep.
A hungry tummy results in a sleepless child: make sure your child goes to bed with a satisfied appetite. It is hard to bed on an empty stomach and the body will starve till the morning. A glass of warm milk or hot chocolate might be the best soothing element. -
5
Story
This ritual has survived generations. It is one of the most common, effective and loving way to put your children to sleep. Narrate them stories that you know by heart or from a story book. This will also improve their listening and vocabulary skills. This is best time to be close to your kids and make a deep bond. -
6
A healthy lifestyle
Like adults, children get the best sleep when they are physically exhausted. Inculcate outdoor and indoor games in their routine so that both their mind and body work out. This is something which guarantees a good night sleep.
