Solve Your Child's Sleep Problems

by Richard Ferber

Bedtime is often a time of separation that can be difficult for many children, especially young ones. Simply sending a toddler or young child off to bed alone is not fair to him, and he may even find it scary. It also means you will miss out on what could be one of the best times of the day. So set aside ten to thirty minutes to do something special with your child before bed. The final routine should take place in the room where your child sleeps so he will learn to look forward to going there. If it takes place elsewhere, then he’ll learn that he must leave that pleasant place to go to bed, and the bed or bedroom can take on negative associations, signaling the end of that happy interactive period and perhaps the start of a separation. If a child is to fall asleep alone, it should be the parents who leave: he should stay where he just had an enjoyable time. Avoid teasing, scary stories, and anything else that will excite your child at this time—save the wrestling and tussling for other times of the day. You might both enjoy a discussion, quiet play, or story reading.