If your child is having trouble sleeping, he may be responding to environmental factors that are keeping him awake. Your child's room should be a calm, quiet place for him to relax and rest. Additionally, a scheduled bedtime routine will make your child feel safe so she knows what to expect every single night. If your child wakes you up in the middle of the night, complains of nightmares or doesn't want to go to sleep in the first place, try to establish a safe and comfortable environment in your child's room.
Step 1
Establish bedtime as a loving, calm time. Set aside the stresses of your day and spend at least 30 minutes with your child in his room before bed, reading stories and talking quietly. Add bedtime routines, like tucking your child in, kissing him and saying, "I love you" every night.
Step 2
Start the bedtime routine that starts before your child gets too tired. According to Kyla Boyse, R.N., your child may get a second wind if you wait to start the bedtime routine until after your child is already exhausted.
Step 3
Dim the lights in the house as bedtime approaches. Your child will subconsciously relax as the lights become dimmer, and will begin to anticipate bedtime.
Step 4
Provide your child with tools to relax nighttime fears. If your child is afraid of the dark, arm her with a flashlight. If he fears monsters in the closet, place water in a clean spray bottle marked "Monster spray" and tell him to use it if he is worried during the night. Creating a tool for your child to handle her own fears may prevent her from waking you up in the middle of the night.
Step 5
Keep the television and music low in the rest of the house while your child is sleeping. If your child knows you are up having fun without him, he will be more apt to get out of bed and see what's going on. Although you don't need to tiptoe or whisper while your child is sleeping, speak in calm, relaxed tones and avoid going into your child's room.
Tips and Warnings
- If your child wakes you up in the middle of the night, tuck her back into her own bed rather than letting her sleep in your bed.
- Consult a doctor if your child is not sleeping at night.
Things You'll Need
- Flashlight
- Spray bottle
