Better Sleep for Older Kids—And Their Parents: Making a plan, post-crib
May 9, 2024
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Toddler and preschooler sleep consultant Jessica Berk joins to discuss strategies for promoting healthy sleep habits in older kids, including transitioning out of cribs, setting boundaries, and addressing common challenges like nighttime disturbances. The importance of consistent bedtime routines for children's well-being and tips for handling sleep issues are also explored, emphasizing the need for personalized solutions and effective strategies for parents and kids.
Consistency in bedtime routines and involving children in creating their bedtime routine can positively impact their sleep quality and behavior.
Enforcing sleep training techniques with older kids may lead to resistance and pushback, requiring a nuanced and adaptable approach.
Deep dives
Understanding Children's Sleep Hygiene
Establishing good sleep habits for children is crucial for their overall well-being. Parents often face challenges when trying to improve their kids' sleep routines, especially as they grow older. The importance of consistency in bedtime routines and providing a sense of control to children can positively impact their sleep quality and behavior. Discussing the significance of adequate sleep and involving children in creating their bedtime routine can foster a sense of responsibility and independence in managing their sleep.
Challenges of Sleep Training Older Kids
As children become older, enforcing sleep training techniques can present unique challenges. The involvement of older kids in bedtime rituals can lead to resistance and pushback, requiring parents to balance setting boundaries while allowing some autonomy. Unlike with infants, older children may actively resist parental instructions during bedtime, necessitating a more nuanced and adaptable approach to sleep training.
Parental Impact on Children's Sleep Habits
Parents play a significant role in shaping their children's approach to sleep. Setting clear expectations, reinforcing positive behaviors, and addressing nighttime disturbances with patience and consistency can help cultivate healthier sleep patterns. Acknowledging children's developmental stages and emotional needs when addressing sleep issues contributes to fostering a positive parent-child relationship and ensuring restful sleep for the whole family.
Navigating Sleep Challenges and Solutions
Dealing with sleep-related challenges like sleepwalking and determining the appropriate use of melatonin in children require careful consideration. Providing a safe environment for sleepwalkers and consulting with healthcare providers for melatonin use are essential steps. Encouraging open communication with children about the importance of sleep and implementing rewards for positive sleep behaviors can help in reinforcing healthy sleep habits and addressing sleep disruptions effectively.
Our kids need a glass of water. Or an extra hug. How do we get them to sleep? So much has been written about this with advice for exhausted parents. But it’s usually in the context of babies. Toddlers and older kids are a whole other ballgame.
Today on ParentData, we’re joined by perhaps our most practical guest ever. Jessica Berk is a toddler and preschooler sleep consultant. Together, we answer your questions, talk about sleep strategies, and explore why sleep is so important not just for kids, but also for parents.
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