Bedtime can be an absolute nightmare for parents dealing with fussy sleepers. From endless requests for water to repeated trips to the bathroom, fussy sleepers can often disrupt your much-needed rest and that's why today we'll share some tips on how you can win the battle of bedtime.
The Power of Routine
When it comes to putting kids or toddlers down for bed, routine is key. As humans, most of us thrive off routine and structure which in turn, helps our brains stay organized throughout the day. Teach this important life lesson by establishing a regular bedtime-based activity schedule that includes brushing teeth, reading a storybook together etc.
Remember: Consistency is everything when it comes to building habits.
Choose 'Sleep-Encouraging' Foods at Dinner
In recent years there’s been more research into “sleep foods” -- nutrient-rich foods that lead to greater levels of melatonin production such as bananas and oatmeal before bedtimes help induce better sleep quality which ways promote better overnight sleeping routines. So try incorporating such meals into your dinner menu!
An Early Nap Time
Try setting an early nap-time during daytime so children will wake up relatively earlier during evening times - this methods has shown success among many parents around the world whose children had recurring sleep problems. Children who have consistently established napping patterns also normally exhibit fewer anxiety issues thus making them happier children.
Outdoor Activities & Screen Time Limitations
Make sure they wind down properly after outdoor activities - running around plays tremendous effect on overall physical health but needs careful winding time since overly tired/‘windy’ active thoughts might make falling asleep difficult; electronic device restrictions (smart phones/laptops). Preferably no screen time few hours prior moving towards bed too! These measures if taken diligently reduces chances kids getting overstimulated & suffering from insomnia episodes later.
Make Bedtime a Fun Experience
Make sure the whole process of going to bed seems like an exciting experience - reading new books, singing along rhymes, making up stories with them! This will help instill positive emotions and longing towards bedtime for children even during difficult days since they have something interesting to look forward rather than dreading it.
Another tip: Introduce special bed-time sheets or covers for their favorite cartoon character -- this creates personalized environment full independence on child’s part.
Be Consistent & Firm
Consistency in your approach is very essential when dealing with tricky sleepers - if you bend too far backwards now and then by allowing excess episodes; toddlers/kids might start taking advantage becoming over-reliant on parents disrupting expected routine thereby affecting everyone's health. Say No When you really should- ease into saying no in effective but stern ways e.g “..it would be best not to sit within that timeframe honey”
Keep It Calm
Keep the mood calm at home prior to bedtime especially half hour before actual sleeping time because difficult energies such as anger outbursts from either parent/child impacts slept quality plus cause anxiety disorder patterns at early age thus negatively reinforcing sleep resistance tendencies.
Properly Set Sleep Environment & Schedule
Concerning napping schedules...Lower lights levels (use dimmer / alternatively red-spectrum nightlight), remove external noise contenders through switching off devices/nearby room sound sources, cozy bedding which cater enhances comfortable embracing temperature range avoiding overly hot/cold conditions ensures peaceful uninterrupted evening slumber!
Ensure Children aren't made uncomfortable earlier than usual since moments lost/restless nights can add up depriving enough capacity already running thin parenting stock piles 🙁
The Effectiveness of Lullabies & White Noise
Whether it's lullabies or white noises playing in the background while they snooze away next door amidst complete darkness--such methods have been proven successful by past studies. Soothing and relaxing music aids in calming down and preparing the brain for restfulness.
Remember - no addendums/surprises to established sleeping protocols since frequent changes means less feasible reliable sleeper patterns!
Keep Stress Factors at Bay
Shed all possible stressors that might be adversely triggering your child's anxiety levels before bedtime - this could include switching off certain electronics (news broadcasts/documentation/entertainment industry dependent channels) or not discussing family/work issues until they've made it through their slumber hours; parents sometimes try stuffing last minute verbal reminders about chores/praising children immediately prior bedtimes which generally creates stressful thoughts distract from comfortable sleep experiences.
A final tip: Reduce the likelihood of spur-of-the-moment distractions by setting reminders/alerts throughout day so that anything needing action is taken care ahead of time rather than during moments where kids are getting ready for a calm settled evening program!