Children and bedtime go hand in hand; it's a time for winding down and snuggles. But, unfortunately, it's not always the case.
How often have you experienced your child resisting bedtime and bursting into tears at the mere mention of it?
Bedtime is a special and delicate moment for children, as it marks the end of their day and separation from their loved ones. Even though we are right beside them, they may not fully comprehend this yet. It's our job as parents to guide them and show them patience as we teach them the importance of sleep.
What are some effective ways to help children fall asleep?
Is it important to establish a bedtime routine?
It is important for children to have a consistent bedtime routine to help them recognize when it's time to go to bed. This routine can consist of small actions, gestures, and words that are repeated over time to establish a clear routine. This way, the child will learn to associate these actions with bedtime, making it easier for them to fall asleep at night.
Here are some practical tips for helping children get to bed:
Let the children know that it's time for bed.
Get ready for bed together.
Have a relaxing bath and talk to them in sweet and calm tones about your day.
Put on pajamas and go to the bedroom.
Let the child relax on the cot and you can reading a story together, snuggled up close in a tender hug, or holding their hands.
Explain to the children what will happen and reassure them that you will be there for them if they need you. Suggest that they sleep with their favorite stuffed animal or leave a piece of clothing with your perfume nearby. Wish them goodnight and let them rest.
Having a stable, uniform, and repeated routine over time can help a child develop confidence, serenity, and awareness during the falling asleep phase. When a child knows what to expect during the different steps we suggest, they tend to feel more confident and motivated to follow along, sometimes even anticipating the next step.
What to do when the baby wakes up?
When the baby wakes up, it's important to be attentive and present for them. Our presence is essential to convey a sense of calmness and security to them, and to let them know that we're there for them even if we're not right in front of them. We should dedicate time to consoling and reassuring them, so that they can continue sleeping peacefully. It's important to note that during the first few years of a child's life, they may not be able to go back to sleep on their own. They need to feel the comfort of a gentle touch and hear a reassuring voice that makes them feel protected and safe. This is crucial for establishing a good bedtime routine.
How important is it for children to recognize the environment in which they go to sleep?
Let's imagine closing our eyes and when we reopen them we don't recognize where we are. Would you feel scared?
It is essential to create a welcoming and well-cared-for environment for our children. Their bedroom should be a space where they can engage in fun activities, share some of our daily routines, and feel comfortable and at ease. Therefore, the room where they sleep should be filled with memories and experiences that are linked to special moments in their lives, playtime, relaxation, and love. It's important to note that children need to learn how to sleep, and it takes time for them to develop the ability to fall asleep independently. As parents, our role is to accompany our children in their journey towards peaceful and restful sleep.
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