Many children believe that they cannot sleep unless their parents do specific things to help them relax and settle to sleep. These things which may include being rocked to sleep, being held with ot without added movement, being fed have become part of the child's touchstones, because they have never learned to fall asleep without them.
Every child can learn to go to sleep by themselves. As parents this is one of the most valuable lessons we can teach them.
Children's sleep is not a quiet still loss of awareness of the world. Children can be very noisy in sleep, babbling to themselves, moving round in their bed or crib. They also experience lighter and deeper sleep. As adults when our sleep is lighter, we may alter our position in the bed, become aware that we could wake up, but realise that it is too early, and return to sleep. For children who have developed the need to have mum or dad hold them, or be present, this lighter sleep can result in waking and not returning to sleep, because the association that they have developed, requires the presence of a parent to ensure a return to sleep.
Children who have developed associations and cannot sleep without them need to unlearn these bad habits so that they can settle by themselves. It is very important however, that one association is not replaced by another as this is not a solution.
Any alteration in behaviour needs to be consistent and repeated many times before it becomes accepted as a normal part of life. Following a sleep plan requires repetition for at least ten days before it can be reviewed and evaluated. Most behaviours, in healthy children can be resolved within four to six weeks. Children with specific health needs may require a prolonged repetition of a few months before any progress is made.
If you need help to alter your child's sleep associations contact Dream-Angus.com
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