Bedtime: An Opportunity to Teach Your Child Independence

Many babies and younger children like to sleep with mommy and daddy and do. Many parents sleep with their children until they fall asleep and it is wrong. They will always feel the need to have you there. Teach them to fall asleep alone. There is no need why you should spend an hour putting your child to sleep once they are settled in. Before putting them to bed spend an hour doing something with them either reading a story or a show. Here are some great ways you can put your child to sleep.

Step One: Time for Bed
Take your child to their bedroom. Read a bedtime story, give them “kisses and cuddles” and tuck them in. Place a nightlight if they feel safe with one. Then slowly in time shut it off.

Step Two: Tough Love
Sit down on the floor or in a chair parallel to your child’s bed so he or she can see the side of your face. As hard as it may be, bow your head and ignore their efforts to talk to you. When they talk to you they are trying to fight their sleep. They want you to feel bad so you can take them out. Be strict you have to. They do not need you to put you to sleep. It is important not to engage your child with eye contact.

Step Three: Stay In Bed
If your child climbs out of bed, return them to bed with no eye contact. If you do not place them back into their bed then you are giving into them. If you leave them out once they are than it is only doing you wrong not them. They are getting away with this.

Step Four: Distance Yourself
Each night, move further and further away from the crib or bed. This pattern gives your child a sense of security in their bedroom. Every other day move the chair further away before you know it you are out the door and they will get use to it. It will be hard at first but stick with it.