Sleep Program Main PageHelping the child learn good sleep habits takes a lot of time in the beginning, but will pay off later as the child acquires a healthy self-discipline later. Keeping a set bedtime and in the child’s own bed helps a child learn limits.
Bear in mind that children need attention. In the extreme cases, they can fall into over-sleeping if they have too little stimulation and are with an angry or rejecting parent. Severe insomnia can be a symptom of depression from being separated for too long from mother without a suitable substitute.
However, many parents tend to be too attentive and let the child stay up untl they get tired enough to just fall asleep where they stand, or they will lie down regularly with the child until he or she goes to sleep. Neither of these are particularly helpful, they don’t let the child develop his or her own resources. It is perfectly ok, to check on the child and to comfort her or him when distressed. One barometer you can use is your own level of resentment - if you’re spending a lot of time with the child and feeling resentful, then it’s time to get some coaching on how to set limits with love.
Babies need comforting, reassuring routines, and comfortable conditions where they are dry, warm, and not hungry or thirsty. But, they are also quite able to comfort themselves, too. Thus, maintaining a balance of caretaking and letting the child find his or her own way helps develop positive sleeping patterns.
Helps Kids Sleep!
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