How To Make Toddlers Sleep Alone?

My article in oneinda.com:   http://www.boldsky.com/pregnancy-parenting/toddler/2013/make-toddler-sleep-alone-032864.html

Fear of sleeping alone is common among toddlers. They will go through various vivid imaginations and thoughts that will keep them scared and nervous. But as the age of your toddler advances, it is necessary to teach them to sleep separately.  Essentially, parents should know why it is important to get your kid separated from you while sleeping. This is because soothing and comforting themselves to get a peaceful sleep will lend them strength to become independent and courageous. The worry of ‘sleep separate training’ is not limited to your toddlers alone. Transitioning your kid from a co-sleeping setup to sleeping in their own bed will present a stressful mental challenge to parents as well. Here as some tips for you.

How To Make Toddlers Sleep Alone?  

Plan beforehand: Do not ask your child to sleep alone all of a sudden. You should plan and fix the regimen before putting it into action. As the first step, allow them to fall asleep alone even when they sleep with you. Then, let them sleep in daytime alone in a room. When they become familiar with their room, let them sleep alone in night.

Assure security: Letting your child sleep alone doesn’t mean that you should avoid your presence. You should make them feel that you are there all around for any need. You can try a ‘ten minute visit’. Tell them that you will come to them in every 10 minutes and do so until they sleep. This will be an assurance for the child that you are there.

Spend time in the dark: If your toddler is afraid of darkness, spending time in the darkness is the only way to solve it. Put off the lights, and spend some time playing any verbal game. Putting off and putting on the lights is also effective to let them know that absence of light will not make any change in the room.

Implement bedtime routines: A glass of warm milk, brushing teeth, saying goodnight or reading a bedtime story will make their bedtime pleasant instead of a scary dream. Following a timetable will help the kid to realize that sleeping is a part of their daily routine.

Eliminate distractions: Check for any agitating sounds, lights or sight that may grab your kid’s attention. Do you think it will work if you ask your kid to sleep while you are watching television or playing video games?

Let them fall asleep alone: The most common mistake done by parents is allowing the kid to sleep with them and leaving them in middle of the night when they are asleep. This will never assure safe sleep to the child. Allow them to comfort themselves and to fall asleep alone.




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