Sleep tips

Sleep (or lack of) is one of peoples main issues when it comes to having children.

I'm currently working with 6 families who are in need of some more sleep. It's so very easy to get into a 'bad habit' when it comes to sleep. We'll do what we can to get more z's.
I only work with parents who are in need of a change, they come to me when they don't know what else to try.

Here are a few of my favorite sleep tips.

I can't stress enough the importance of having blackout blinds at the windows. Here in Seattle, during the summer, it gets light really early in the morning and stays light very late. If your childs room is too light, when your child comes into a light sleep they are very likely to fully wake. You don't really want to encourage that at 4:30 am!
You don't need to get blackout blinds, you can buy the blackout fabric at any fabric store. Cut it to the size of your window and velcro it into place. You can easily take it down during the day and place it up for naps and night time. Some people even put a blanket up at the window to make the room darker.

If your child is waking too early in the morning you can put a night light on a timer set to your acceptable wake up time. From the age of around 18 months children will be able to look over the the night light on waking. If it's off it's time to go back to sleep, if it's on your child can get up.
If your child suddenly starts waking early, they may be ready to cut down on naps. Shorten the time of naps or cut them out all together.

Night terrors.

A night terror is something that can be very upsetting for parents. A child having a night terror will scream, cry, and will be very frightened. They can sit up and thrash their arms and legs. Parents may think the child is having a nightmare.

Night terrors are more upsetting for parents then they are for children. When parents try to calm their children, they can find that they don't respond or even recognize them.

It is easy to confuse night terrors and nightmares.

What can I do if my child is having a night terror?

~ Make sure your child doesn't get over tired. Night terrors are always worse in an over tired child.

~ Go to your child. Make sure they are safe. You'll want to be there if they wake up, and needs comforting. Your child may also try and get out of bed, so make sure you stay with them.

~ Don't try and wake your child, you can actually prolong the night terror.

~ Try to remain calm. If you are anxious your child can pick up on that if they wake up.

Other facts.

Night terrors usually happen in children aged between two and six.

Children quite often go back to sleep, sleep soundly and don't remember anything in the morning.

Night terrors are a sleep disorder, much like sleep walking and talking.

If you're concerned, talk to your child's doctor.

Talking to kids about disasters.

With yet another huge earthquake in Chile, the world can seem like a really scary place to your children.

The following is wonderful information from seattlechildrens.org.

As a parent you can't control natural disasters or events in our worls, but you can help your child to cope when disaster strikes. The following tips provide ideas for ways to help make your child feel safe, things look for in your child and how to be a good role model.

Limit your child's exposure to media

• Turn off the TV and radio to help protect
children from being overwhelmed with the
repeated stories and video images of the
disaster. Also avoid exposing them to graphic
pictures in newspapers and magazines.
• If you choose to have the TV on, watch with
your children and talk about what you see.
Answer your child’s questions.

Help your child feel safe.

Tell your child she is safe, that she is your
primary concern and will not be left alone.

Be honest with your child.

• Your child will be aware that something has
happened. Before answering questions, ask
your child what she knows and wants to
know.
• Give simple, honest answers, but put things in
perspective. You might say things like, “A
few people made some bad decisions to hurt
people,” “It happened a long way from here,”
or “Most people are good.”
• Listen to your child’s feelings and concerns.
It is important to be honest about your own
fears and anxieties, but keep in mind that
children need to know people can have strong
feelings and still cope with difficult
situations.
• Encourage your child to ask questions at any
time.

Be aware of your child’s feelings.

• It’s OK if your child doesn’t want to talk
about it with you, but remain aware of
changes in mood and how your child acts.
• Coach your child in setting limits with friends
or others when talking about events.
• Some children may show what they’re
thinking through their pictures or their play.
This can relieve stress, give you clues to their
concerns and open the door for talking about
their feelings.
• Each child responds in a unique way. Your
child’s response may change over time.

Stick to routines.

As best as you can, keep on with regular
activities, meal times and bedtimes. During
stressful times, your child especially needs the
safety and security that comes with regular
routines.

Allow and expect your child to go back to
behaviors she may have given up.

These may include being clingy, problems
with potty training and thumb sucking (for young
children).
Your child may need you to:
• Leave the light on while she sleeps
• Respond quickly to nightmares
• Give extra hugs and reassurances
• Stay close to her as she is falling asleep
• Let her know where you are or will be

Use your family’s values to reassure your
child.

• Look to faith traditions and spiritual practices
for comfort.
• Point out that there are helpers and heroes who
are working hard to make this situation better.
• Help your child understand what she can do to
not feel helpless, such as raise money for relief
efforts.

Take good care of yourself.

• Be aware of your own feelings. Talk with
friends, family and colleagues.
• Develop a plan to manage your own feelings;
anxious parents have greater difficulty helping
their children manage their feelings.