Your child's entry into the toddler years offers a prime opportunity for sleep training. The Parents website claims months 12 to 16, when he is developing new speech and physical skills, is a fitting time period to teach your child to sleep through the night. Whether your toddler fights you at bedtime or goes to sleep willingly and then wakes up in the middle of the night, you can end his bad habits and help him develop the ability to fall asleep and stay asleep.
Falling Asleep on Her Own
You and your child may have developed a bedtime routine during which you rock her to a peaceful sleep. Now that she is growing into a little girl, it's time for her to learn to fall asleep on her own. It's important to follow a consistent routine every night, but it's time to adjust your routine so it ends with your tot putting herself to sleep. When your child is drowsy, but still awake, tuck her securely into bed and say your goodnights. Then, leave the room. She may cry at first or yell repeatedly for you to return. You may decide to return periodically to assure her that you are nearby, and she is fine. Be firm. Leave her room so she learns to put herself to sleep. When she learns this skill, she'll be able to put herself back to sleep in the middle of the night, too.
Brief Visits
Ending nighttime requests for visits from your toddler is not difficult to do. It is just a matter of setting some firm rules and sticking to them. Your little one needs to learn that nighttime is not a time for playing or socializing. When he demands your attention in the wee hours of the morning, it's OK to go in and reassure him that you are close by and everything is OK, but don't socialize. The Kids Health website advises to keep it short and dull. Give him a quick pat on the back and a reassuring reminder that everything is OK, and it is time to sleep. Then, leave his room. Once your tot learns that nighttime is not for playing, he will stop waking up and crying for your attention.
Sleep Rules
Dr. Marc Weissbluth, author of "Healthy Sleep Habits, Happy Child," a sleep training book, advises parents to create "sleep rules." The rules include the child staying in bed at bedtime, closing her eyes, staying quiet, going to sleep and staying in bed all night until a designated time in the morning. Weissbluth suggests clearly explaining the rules to your toddler and posting them on a fun poster that your child helps design. Use pictures to illustrate the rules. Add incentives as a bonus. If she follows the rules, she is rewarded in the morning or at the end of the week, but if she doesn't follow the rules, a privilege may be revoked.
