No better sight than a child sleeping. Once they are cuddling and tuck to their bed their brains are in the operational mode for developmental activities. A process is in a place where they ensure their experiences are in order of what to absorb and what to discard.
Sleep is essential for kids both at a mental and physical level. Numerous studies have conveyed the fact where the importance of sleep has an impact on the regulatory hormones. Good sleep hygiene gives children the best chances of getting adequate, healthy sleep every day. And healthy sleep is critical in promoting children’s growth and development.
How to help your kids get a good night’s sleep
Be ready with a plan
A bedtime ritual is a must. If there is an infant in the house, it can be as simple as singing a song and putting them to sleep. If there is an older child in the house you can seek out their inputs. It is better if you could list all the steps in the form of a sequence so everyone is aware of what would be happening. Sometimes the kids might not be able to read so you can use a chart with pictures.
Set a routine
Setting up a bedtime routine makes the kids secure as it provides predictability. Kids irrespective of their age should go on to sleep and wake up at the same time. It is better if you could extend them to the weekends as it prevents the kids from sleeping late on Saturdays as it disturbs the rhythm.
Get a good bed and mattress
Children’s beds come in many different shapes and sizes. Finding the right one can be difficult, you will need to consider your child’s both current and future needs, the bedroom space as well as functionality. To make it easier to get your kids to the bed, you can consider buying those unique beds with a design that you kids may like, such as the car beds which you may find in your local retailers as well as any kid’s related online shop such as Hurryguru.
Time together
Kids might feel a tinge unsettled at the night time since they warrant attention from their caregiver. Most parents work during the course of the day and at night kids seek the attention of them. Considering the other side of the coin if the caregiver is present at all time during the day, kids are more or less likely to depend upon them for their comfort. In either case, it is better if you can ask kids a few questions about the day. For babies, you can dish out a few minutes extra for cuddling or making eye contact.
Power down
Keep off from electronic lights before stepping on to bed since it stimulates your brain. This could make the kids uneasy when they are about to take rest as it can install the production of hormones that induce them to fall asleep. A suggestion is to kids turn off their lights before an hour of going to bed. Limiting the screen time of kids can be beneficial as they tend to be active and have an abundance of natural energy. The activities that have an impact during the day time could filter on to the night.
A positive attitude
You can ask the younger lot when it is ok by changing colours at proper times of waking and sleeping times. Keep things positive and do not punish kids if they wake up late. Yes, it could be a frustrating situation where you have to walk them back to the bed but no point to developing negative associations once you are in bed.
The key to foster all the above habits is to practice till it becomes perfect. Till the kids reach the age of 4 years, you do not have to tell them to sleep. This would also mean that you have to take them to bed at the wrong time and soothe them back to sleep. Even if you have to use bribes at this point of time there is nothing to worry.