Kids Sleeping Boot Camp: Staying On the Path For Better Sleep

For the final week of the Kids Sleeping Boot Camp, I'll just quickly recap the challenges:

1. Set a regular bedtime. Make sure the bedtime is early enough to prevent drowsiness or fussiness near the end of the day.

2. Discuss changes in sleep routines with your child.

3. Keep a sleep log. Track waking times, bedtimes, crying, naps and any other sleep-related information.

4. Get your partner on the same page.

5. Use Sleep Rules with rewards and restrictions. Make sure rewards and restrictions are powerful to motivate your child.

6. Practice the Silent Return technique.

7. Help your child get regular exercise. At least 20 minutes a day.

8. Teach your child self-quieting behaviors.

Sleep is a natural process and there will usually be few difficulties if we are patient and don't interfere with it.

Timing is most important, but there are individual differences between children regarding when their sleep rhythms develop and how long they sleep, so don't compare your child with other children.

Naps and night sleep are related and both need to be in place to avoid sleep problems.

Sweet dreams!