Fussy, cranky, uncooperative….You know when your child is overtired. When you work a full day, take care of the kids, prepare dinner, clean up, do laundry, etc., etc., it may seem impossible to get your kids in bed at an age-appropriate bedtime. Late bedtimes, difficulty falling asleep, night wakings…all of it leads to parental frustration and ultimately, exhaustion for everyone. And who has the motivation to fix sleep issues when you’re tired?
When that exhaustion sets in and your kiddo calls or you or starts crying in the middle of the night, it’s definitely easier to take the path of least resistance rather taking on the big picture issue. You are not alone if you bring your kiddo into your bed or camp out in your child’s room for the rest of the night. Let’s face it. It’s just so much easier. It doesn’t matter if you’ve got a baby, toddler or preschooler. The problem with doing that is that you’re not actually helping your child get more sleep and get better quality sleep. The longer you keep doing it, the harder it is to resolve the issues and it takes so much longer.
It’s hard to get motivated to make the changes your family needs to get quality sleep. But, when you set your mind getting more sleep and you commit to a plan, it takes just one or two weeks to get the sleep you all deserve. In most situations, that’s so much less time compared to the months that the sleep issues have persisted.
Need a little motivation to fix your family’s sleep? This one statement in Marc Weissbluth’s April 19, 2021 blog should do it! Marc Weissbluth, MD is the renowned child sleep expert and author of several books on child sleep, including Healthy Sleep Habits, Happy Child.
“More sleep for your child will make your child healthier, stronger, smarter, happier, and more successful,” he writes
Early bedtimes (before 8:00 PM) for babies, toddlers and preschoolers are essential for optimum wellness in all of these areas. Frequently, moving a bedtime up by 30 minutes can result in a dramatic improvement in sleep. Sleep begets sleep! The end result of more sleep is a remarkable positive change in your child’s alertness, behavior and temperament.
Why Fixing Sleep is Worthwhile
According to Weissbluth, research suggests that earlier bedtimes can make your child slimmer, improve athletic performance and help them grow just a little bit taller.
In addition, Dr. Weissbluth states that early bedtimes result in:
- Less crying at night
- Less time between lights out and falling asleep
- Fewer wakings and less crying throughout the night
- Longer and more regular naps
You can do this! Make a plan and stick to it. In two weeks or less, you’ll be looking back and wondering why you didn’t do this sooner.
A great night’s sleep really can be more than just a dream! And if you need help, we’re here.