Is Your Toddler Ready to Sleep Alone?
Sep 29, 2007
- Discuss how good she will feel about having a bed all to herself.
- Be prepared for questions like, "Can I sleep with my teddy bear?" Ask her to choose the toy-cum-companions she will want to sleep with.
- Start with afternoon naps in her "new bed", to get her used to the ambience, as well as the idea of sleeping alone.
- Maintain a soothing and consistent bedtime routine (such as brushing teeth, praying, turning in after a short story and a good night kiss).
- Reassure her that you are near and very much accessible, in case she needs anything.
- Stay with her for a couple of nights, till she is asleep. It isn't necessary to pat her to sleep; even reading or working in the same room till she nods off, is sufficient.
Avoid using logic to prove there's nothing to be afraid of. This will harm your child's self-esteem, as she finds her seemingly real fears are not being treated as legitimate. Using logic is ineffective, since fear knows no logic.
Use a zero-watt night lamp for a few weeks. Also, make sure you do your usual "bedtime check" by giving your toddler her comfort objects like the pillow, her favourite toy, or a ticking clock.
- Between your "good night" and her falling asleep, she can gaze on fascinating night-sky stickers and silhouettes that you can fix to her ceiling.
- After her first night in her new bed, ask her how she felt about this new experience.
- Remember to praise her adaptability, while doting grandparents, friends or relatives are around.
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