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So far Kate and Andy have been REALLY lucky, Rowan’s been a champ at sleeping. Must be another sign of Casale genes. Like all of us, kids depend on a good sleep to function well. When they don’t get enough sleep, they have a harder time controlling their emotions, become irritable or hyper, and may be more likely to have behavior problems and trouble learning … sounds like most people I know. In fact, toddlers need about 10 to 14 hours of sleep per day, including one to three hours of naptime.

Actually getting your toddler to sleep though, can be a bit of a challenge.

Toddlers have developed the art of speech and a longer attention span plus they tend to have the desire to assert their independence and don’t want to miss out on anything. All of that is a recipe for a toddler fighting bedtime.

Here are some things you can do to make sure your toddler is getting the sleep he or she needs while saving yourself from some of the nighttime drama.

Make their daytime active

A busy daytime will make your toddler more likely to be tired at bedtime.

Get your child to play, run, and dance to exercise his or her mind and body during the day.

Teach them to fall asleep alone

It may be tempting to sit or lie next to them while they fall asleep to prevent crying and protesting, but this is ultimately reinforcing habits that will be hard to break later.

Toddlers need to learn how to soothe themselves to sleep and they can’t do that if you’re right there next to them.

Establish a bedtime routine and keep it consistent.

The bedtime routine doesn’t have to be complicated – it can be as simple as a bath, reading a book and then bed.

A bath is always a good component of a toddler’s bedtime routine – a warm bath does wonders for calming your toddler. The activities you choose to include in your toddler’s bedtime routine should all be soothing and calming, helping them wind down – so tickle fights, bright lights, sugary treats and excitement are bad ideas.

Once you establish a bedtime routine, stick with it.

Toddlers crave a routine because the predictability of knowing what’s coming next makes them feel safe and secure. Plus, if this routine works there’s no reason to stray from it, even if your toddler is pleading for five more minutes.

Don’t let them prolong going to bed

Part of a successful bedtime routine is that it happens at the same time every day. But, toddlers are great negotiators, especially when it comes to bedtime.

Your toddler wants to spend time with you and doesn’t want to miss out, which is why they tend to prolong going to bed, whether it’s dawdling with the nightly routine, repeatedly asking for a glass of water or to go to the bathroom.

If they’re trying to stall to complete an “urgent” task, tell them it’s bedtime and they can do it tomorrow. You can also try anticipating their nighttime requests by having that glass of water ready in the bedroom. Let your toddler have one – only one – extra request to make your toddler feel like he or she is getting their way, but you’re actually getting yours.

Give them some choices at bedtime

Factoring in a few choices for your toddler to make for him or herself can make the process of getting to bed easier.

Letting your toddler make bedtime choices when possible can help them feel empowered and eliminate the possibility of a meltdown. The trick is to only offer them two choices: two bedtime stories to choose from or which of two pairs of pajamas they want to wear.

Be calm, yet firm

If your toddler whines or pleads, stand your ground and try not to get into a power struggle.

Speaking calmly and quietly can help keep your child’s crying and screaming at bay, but insist that when it’s time for bed, it’s time for bed.

If darkness or “monsters” are the reason for avoiding bedtime, night lights and checking under the bed can reassure your toddler he or she is safe and sound.

If your child is resisting going to sleep because they don’t want you to leave, assure them you’ll be back in a short five minutes to check on them. Follow up with that promise in five minutes. There’s a good chance your toddler will be fast asleep by then. If not, promise them you’ll be back to check in another five minutes.

Remember, well rested kids … happy parents.

Alfred Casale To Your Health
https://www.timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/web1_casale.jpg.optimal.jpgAlfred Casale To Your Health

By Alfred Casale

To Your Health

Dr. Alfred Casale is chairman of surgery for the Geisinger Heart Institute, co-director of the Cardiovascular Service Line for the Geisinger Health System and Associate Chief Medical Officer for the Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center. Readers may write to him via [email protected].