Importance Of Your Preschooler Falling Asleep Independently
Some children fall asleep easily and quickly, while others really struggle. It’s crucial to establish effective ways to help your preschooler sleep in his/her own bed. We’ll discuss a process to help your preschooler to fall asleep independently with your gentle support.
Kids Need Sleep
Sleep is essential for growing kids. Children ages 3 through 5 need 10 to 13 hours of sleep a day (including a nap if needed), according to the American Academy of Pediatrics. A good night’s sleep enables your child’s brain to grow and develop, and enables them to re-charge for the next day.
Good Habits Start Young
One goal for parents is to help teach kids to learn to fall asleep on their own. It gives children confidence, provides independence, and allows preschoolers to practice quieting their minds and their active imaginations so that they can fall asleep. You can help your child build these critical skills, let’s look at how.
Strategies to Help:
Step 1: Establish a consistent bedtime routine
Establish a consistent bedtime routine that allows your child to wind down and get ready for bed (taking a bath, changing into pajamas, brushing teeth, going to the bathroom, gathering a stuffed animal and blanket, reading a book, etc.). Bedtime routines offer your child predictability which generally can reduce anxiety. It is not a good idea to allow any type of screen time before bedtime, this often activates brain waves when the goal is to quiet them.
Step 2: Set a time for bed and communicate it to your child
Your child is winding down from the day; give him/her a 5 minute warning before it’s time to get into bed and turn off the lights. Ask your child if they prefer a timer for when it’s time to go to sleep or if they’d rather you tell them when the time is up. This way your child is aware that it’s almost time to get into bed and isn’t surprised.
Step 3: Tuck in your child
Tuck your child into bed, and then hug and kiss your child goodnight. Make sure they have whatever comfort object they desire, i.e., a special blanket or a stuffed animal. Gently remind them that you’ll see them first thing in the morning. It’s fine if your child has a nightlight on in the room as long as it’s not too bright.
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