Is your child getting quality sleep?

I think we can all agree that children and sleeping don’t always mix!  This can be very tough for busy families and may impact the way we parent and our relationships.  So, what can we do?

Current research shows that the amount of sleep children need varies from day to day and from child to child so getting a good sleep routine for your child can be tricky.  Here are a few suggestions that may help.

-           Screens such as iPad, phones etc can actually stimulate a child’s brain, which is not what you want to happen, so it is advised that screen time finish at least 30 minutes before your child goes to bed. 

-           Quiet reading time with books, soft lighting, calming music, a quiet environment and cuddles gets all those lovely sleep chemicals going in the brain and will help your child relax into the sleep zone.

-           Make sure your child has toileted, had their glass of water and any other ‘need’ is met before entering their bedroom so that the child cannot ask for these items again.

-           Sitting with them for an agreed period of time calmly talking or reading is helpful for a child who may feel anxious about their sleep routine. -   If possible and if it is age-appropriate ask for your child’s ideas on what their sleep routine should look like and agree on what can and cannot happen.  This helps the child feel that they have some control over what is happening and helps with their emerging sense of autonomy. 

-           Keep the routine simple, predictable and consistent as this helps the child understand that their world will remain the same no matter what.

There can be physiological reasons for your child having difficulty sleeping so if the issues persist it is always advisable to seek professional help.

Below is a link to some helpful advice from the Queensland Department of Education in conjunction with University of Queensland

https://earlychildhood.qld.gov.au/newsResources/Documents/factsheet-sleep-practices.pdf