How early do your kids go to bed?
Getting a child to sleep is a challenge for most parents. Children have a lot of energy that can keep them awake thinking of mischievous activities to engage in as the rest of the family is going to bed.
Getting a child to sleep is a challenge for most parents. Children have a lot of energy that can keep them awake thinking of mischievous activities to engage in as the rest of the family is going to bed.
The good news is that with effort and persistence, parents can change this pattern. More so, children are flexible and thus easier to change than adults.
Start by changing the child’s sleeping patterns during the day. For instance, instead of taking a nap in the late afternoon; they can take it midmorning.
Usually, most nannies ensure children take long naps during the day so they can do their household chores undisturbed. In such cases, advise the maid to put the child to sleep midmorning and not late in the afternoon.
Call your maid regularly to remind her to adhere to the new pattern. In addition, return home early, to ensure that the child has an early supper, a bath and goes to bed between 7:00 and 8:30pm.
You could also create play time before or after supper, where the child gets involved in stretching activities and games. Such activities tire the child, making it easier to put them to bed and also make sleep enjoyable for them.
You could also give your baby a good massage using baby oil to aid good sleep.
Changing a toddler’s behaviour is usually difficult.
They may rebel and throw tantrums for as long as two weeks. This is when most mothers give up. But do not give up. Keep announcing that it is time to sleep and follow it up with going to bed.
If the child has older siblings they too should also go to bed at the same time. With time the child will get used to this routine and will start winding down early.
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