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Toddler Bedtimes
Developing a Schedule and Routine
By Keath Castelloe Low
Nighttime fears can often create problems for toddlers at bedtime. These fears are natural and normal, but it is important to distinguish between nighttime fears and nighttime anxiety. Nighttime fears should be acknowledged by a parent, but not reinforced. Dr. Lewin provides an example:
If a child is scared that there is a monster in the closet, rather than walking to the closet to check and assure their child that there is no monster, the parent can sit by the bedside and talk calmly with their child. Asking questions like "Are there really monsters?" and "Is our house safe?" helps address the fears by giving the child back control. When parents check the closet they risk reinforcing the child's fears that there may indeed be a monster and that the child needs their parent to check. Instead, a parent can help alleviate their child's fears by focusing on more of the calming and control.
Anxiety, on the other hand, is a more serious issue. If your child is having problems with fears and anxiety during the day, as well as at night, it is important to talk to your pediatrician or to have him evaluated by a mental health professional. There are also sleep disorders, such as sleep apnea, that can interfere with your toddler getting a good night's rest. If your child is having difficulty falling asleep at night and snores, contact your pediatrician.
Does your child wake up independently in the morning, happy and refreshed? Dr. Lewin tells parents that this is one sure sign that your child is getting the sleep he needs. Children should be able to wake up on their own in the morning. If you have to wake up your child each morning, he probably is not getting adequate sleep at night. Review your child's bedtime routines and see where you need to make changes.