Parents most often have the hardest time helping their children sleep at normal times due to hectic nap schedules and other factors. This can pose a huge problem as children need at least 10 or more hours of sleep every night to develop their brain properly. Furthermore, parents who are trying to hold down a job or maintain other responsibilities find it very difficult to do their work when sleep is held hostage by a small child. Using some of the tips we provide, hopefully you can have your toddler sleeping at the right time that you need.
Talk Them to Sleep
One great method of having your children go to sleep is to speak to each other often while they are getting ready for bed and avoid distractions like television or computer games. Trying to discern what you are saying, toddlers will often pay attention for a while before they ultimately succumb to restlessness.
The reason most toddlers can’t go to sleep immediately is because they are in a hyperactive state towards the end of the night with whatever it is that they are doing. When they spend their time playing games or doing other high energy activity, it makes it difficult for them to fall asleep right away; this is the case when watching television or playing computer games. In addition, naps that went on earlier in the day can be a serious disruption when it comes to whether or not the toddlers are going to be able to sleep at the right time.
Timing Naps Well
Even though your child will want to avoid taking naps in order to play or do something else, most toddlers do need the rest at a certain point in the day. Once this point comes, it is good to get the toddlers into a routine that is early enough they will still be tired when bedtime comes around later in the night. If you are sleeping for too long in the afternoon, there is a good possibility your child will be unable to go to sleep, which creates the problem that we all dread.
Timing out the naps during the afternoon, while still staying flexible enough to accommodate your children, will give you a great advantage over the nightmare that occurs when you’re all away until 3:00 a.m. in the morning.
Sleep for Toddlers and Parents
As much as sleep is incredibly important for toddlers, it is just as necessary for parents as well. To maintain vigilance and provide children with all the necessary help they need, make sure you are providing enough sleep for yourself as well. Helping toddlers to get rest by timing their naps well in the afternoon will be beneficial for both you and your kids. Even though they might fight sleeping, in the end they will thank you for giving them more time to rest in the morning. You’ll thank yourself as well!