Teach Your Child to Sleep Better at Night

When someone asks you what would you like for your birthday, Christmas or just any day, is the first word that pops into your head “Sleep!”  Do you have a child that wakes up nearly every night and tries to sneak into your bed, but if you let them stay will wiggle and kick you the rest of the night?  If you are a Mom, you probably understand.  Mom’s just don’t get enough sleep.

One of the main reasons Mom’s don’t get enough sleep is poor sleeping habits of their children.  Some children sleep well naturally, they will sleep through the night when they are just a few weeks old.  Others will wake up several times a night for years.  I have both types of children even though we followed the same routines with every child.  After years of getting up several times a night, mom’s can feel tired all the time.

Tips to help your child sleep better:

• Have a set schedule every day.  Get up at the same time, go to bed at the same time.  If your child is young and still needs a nap, be sure the nap is early (i.e. right after lunch). Naps later in the afternoon will be more likely to disrupt nighttime sleep.  When old enough, discourage children from taking naps and have them go to bed earlier.
• As bedtime nears, drink milk to help prepare for sleeping, keep lights dim (not too bright) and end all electronics about 1 hour before bed.  Watch those older ones, they will sneak electronics under the bed sheets.
• Help your child feel safe and secure in their bed.  Allow them familiar items like blankets, stuffed animals or security items.  My youngest child frequently wakes during the night and I am always surprised by what she brings with her to my bed (a doll, a stuffed animal, a blanket).  If your child is afraid of the dark, don’t forget the nightlight.
• Bedtime routines should include time to relax and fall asleep.  Reading books are a great way to fall asleep.  Read stories aloud with younger children and let older children read to themselves.
• If your child wakes during the night, quietly walk them back to their own bed.  Consistently sleeping in their own bed will help your child be comfortable in their room and bed.  Eventually, it seems they wake less during the night.  Allowing mom more sleep.

If you are a tired mom, try these tips to help your children sleep better at night.  Hopefully, you will be sleeping better too and no longer dreaming of sleep.

What tips do you have to help your children sleep better at night?

Don’t miss any posts, be sure to sign-up for my newsletter delivered to your email in-box.