| By the age of three a toddler requires eleven hours of | | | | him (ensure that you are able to do this. Otherwise do |
| consistent, quality sleep. Toddler sleep problems | | | | not offer this statement. |
| stand in the way of this and can lead tohealth issues | | | | 3. The Bedroom: short and sweet. This is an area |
| such as a lower immunity, temper tantrums, a slower | | | | many parents get wrong. At bedtime your toddler's |
| brainfunction, and a poor diet, to name a few. | | | | bedroom should be within the same atmosphere as |
| For many toddlers just the mention that "It is bedtime" | | | | when you were winding him down. Prepare his |
| sends them into sheer disarray. (1) Crying and a defiant | | | | bedroom before you start the winding down |
| attitude usually accompany this disarray.This is the | | | | process. Bedroom atmosphere encompasses a night |
| start of the bedtime nightmare for parents. (2)The | | | | light and soft music. |
| continuance of their crying or temper tantrum once | | | | The time you spend in your toddler's room after he is |
| they are in bed. (3) Getting them to stay in bed | | | | in bed needs to be short and sweet. Sit on edge of |
| without screaming after the parent leaves the room. | | | | the bed next to your toddler and read a story, softly. |
| (4) Not getting out of bed in the middle of the night, | | | | Stroke his hair or use his favorite toy. Quietly remind |
| when they wake up. | | | | him of the fun that awaits him the next day if he gets |
| With these 4 areas under control toddler sleep | | | | a good night rest. Mention that you are also very tired |
| problems will be solved and parents will have a | | | | and heading off to bed. Kiss him goodnight and off you |
| pleasant, warm and cuddly bedtime, free from | | | | go. |
| screaming, night waking, and health issues. | | | | 4. When he starts to cry, tell him you love him and you |
| 1. Shshsh.... Dont say the words "Its bedtime." or | | | | will check on him in a bit before you go to bed. Ignore |
| anything even close to.Instead use atmosphere and | | | | his crying. While in his room do not appear stressed. |
| quality time with your toddler to let him know it's time | | | | Know in your mind that all will be well. Your toddler |
| to wind down. This manipulation should begin 20 | | | | will feel this and it will help him adjust to his new |
| minutes BEFORE the time you put in place for your | | | | bedtime routine. |
| toddler to be in bed. | | | | In 9 out of 10 cases your toddler will fall asleep very |
| Create a cozy, calm and quiet atmosphere. Dim the | | | | shortly. However, if you prolong your time in his room |
| lights, watch a little Animal Planet and cuddle with your | | | | and show your fear of his crying he will recognize this |
| toddler. A baby massage is a wonderful relaxation | | | | and use it as a tool to get you to stay until he falls |
| technique for both parent and toddler and can be done | | | | asleep, which causes him to stay awake longer, |
| as part of the winding down process. | | | | lessoning his sleep time and lessoning your free time. |
| 2. Find and Remind. On the way to his room, think of | | | | Toddler sleep problems can yield an unhealthy toddler, |
| something fun and exciting for your toddler to do the | | | | and although a bedtime routine can take some time to |
| next day. It could be an afternoon of play dough | | | | firmly take effect, fixing toddler sleep problems has |
| fun, or perhaps he has a party to go to, or finger | | | | many rewards for parent and toddler. All good things |
| painting, or a play in the park. Remind him of it. A little | | | | come in time, so be consistent and adhere to the |
| secret: tell him you are looking forward to doing it with | | | | bedtime routine on a nightly basis. |