Sleep means the time when children are away from the family, and for families, it can cause nightmares since it is the child's basic need. First of all, parents need to be calm, constructive and positive around their children. If sleep is reflected as a punishment to the child, this will leave a negative impression on your child. Remind yourself that this is a natural process and every family goes through difficulties.
What should I pay attention to when giving sleep training?
It should not be forgotten that it will take time to regulate the sleep-wake cycle. . While ensuring this order, rituals that remind bedtime can be developed. For example; reading a story before sleep, brushing teeth, etc. Regular activities such as these will make it easier to fall asleep.
Do not forget that you are training your child to gain a new behavior in this important phase where you need to be patient. What is trying to be done here is; Just as you teach your child to put on his shoes gradually and patiently; If you teach by trying again and again, you are teaching a new behavior here.
It is also necessary to establish a bedtime routine at home. For example; Lunch at around 13.00 and evening at 21.00. If other family members also comply with these hours, progress will be made easily. However; If one day you establish a routine and the next day the child is put to bed at a different time, this will be a behavior that disrupts the child's routine, and no matter how long you practice it, you will end up starting the process from the beginning.
Active activities before bedtime, the things that the child likes and the things that will stay on his mind. Try to stay away from activities as much as possible. You may think that the child should lose his energy and get sleepy, but this time sleep will seem like a punishment that deprives the child of those fun activities and he will resist to fall asleep.
The behavior of falling asleep in his bed should be developed. Because if he falls asleep in other parts of the house and is then carried to his room by his parents, this may cause frequent waking problems in the future.
Food consumed also plays a very important role in sleep. Make sure to eat a few hours before going to sleep. There are many bees, especially those that can disrupt sleep; Gas-causing foods and drinks such as chips, chocolate, and cola should be avoided so that sleep can be comfortable.
Honey milk and fennel tea can be consumed as drinks that facilitate sleep. However, you should make sure that your child does not have milk sensitivity and give him/her a drink.
The environment of the room where your child sleeps also has a very important place in this regard. The absence of white light in the room (a yellow & blue night lamp can be used), the light from other rooms not reflecting into the room, the absence of noise (such as human voices, television sound) and the room temperature being around 24 degrees improve the transition and quality of sleep.
Sleep problems may occur in some children due to phobias. Children with dark and burglar phobias may be trying to stay safe by not sleeping or sleeping with their families. Some children may have trouble falling asleep or staying asleep because they experience separation anxiety. The relationship with the family is of great importance here. In such cases, psychological support must be sought.
Some children have a difficult time falling asleep because their skin is sensitive. The fabric texture of the pillowcase, duvet cover and chosen cover used here should not be disturbing.
In order to reassure the child, things such as a teddy bear, pillow, doll, animal figure that he keeps with him while he sleeps will also be helpful elements in maintaining sleep. .
Disruption of sleep at night and falling asleep spontaneously again is a normal behavior. However, when families' night sleep is interrupted; If he develops behaviors such as taking him with him, rocking him while standing, or hugging him to sleep, it will be difficult to break this behavior in the future. If it is a baby; After 4 months of age, it is not necessary to breastfeed at night; in fact, it will prevent the baby from getting quality sleep.
For daytime sleep hours, once a daytime nap is sufficient after 6 months of age. This should also be gradually reduced. Because as you get older, if you continue to sleep for long hours during the day, the time to sleep at night will be very late. It is very important for them to spend time with their children during the day. Because a child who only meets his parents in the evening will not choose to leave them and go to sleep.
Remember, things may get worse at first until the sleep training system is established. But depending on your child's age and character, you will get results in a short time. While you think you are getting into a routine, flashbacks may occur from time to time. Don't let these discourage you.
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