If your child is back up and out of bed only a few minutes after you've put her down for the night, bedtime may feel like a nightmare. Instead of allowing your child to sleep in front of the TV or in your bed, maintain your firm stance. If you maintain a calm and consistent attitude toward bedtime, your child will take cues from you and learn that bedtime is a time for rest and relaxation. Instead of battling over bedtime, your child's nighttime schedule may become time the two of you enjoy spending together.
Step 1
Discover your child's nighttime fears by asking him to draw a picture of bedtime, suggests pediatrician Dr. Alan Greene on his official website, DrGreene.com. You may discover your child's hidden feelings about bedtime as he explains the drawing. He may feel lonely without you, be afraid of the dark or be frightened of monsters, which may be why he is getting out of bed.
Step 2
Give your child the power to cope with her fears. Instead of leaving your child alone to deal with her apprehensions, arm her with a solution. Give your child a flashlight if she is afraid of the dark. Promise to check on your child every few minutes until she falls asleep if she is scared to fall asleep without you.
Step 3
Remain consistent. Instead of letting your child fall asleep in your bed after having a nightmare or tantrum, remind him that sleep happens in his own bed. Although you may feel guilty for casting your child away, the consistency will make bedtime a more relaxing event for you and your child.
Step 4
Give your child a tape of soothing songs that she can play when she is trying to fall asleep, recommends Greene. Allow your child to play this tape to help soothe her to sleep if she is scared or lonely.
Step 5
Return your child to bed over and over, as many times as necessary, until he falls asleep in his own bed, suggests MayoClinic.com in the article titled "Child Sleep: Put Preschool Bedtime Problems to Rest." Your child will eventually learn that leaving his bedroom will only result in him being placed back into the bed again.
Tips and Warnings
- Let your child sleep with a stuffed animal to protect her, if it makes her feel safe.
- Consult a doctor if your child is frequently unable to sleep after a traumatic event has occurred.
Things You'll Need
- Flashlight
- Audio tape
