Sleep Tips for 3-6 Year Olds

This past Friday, I had the pleasure of conducting a baby/child sleep Q&A session at a local play cafe (shoutout to Little Owls Play Cafe in Hartland, MI).
I found it interesting that many of the parents I talked with had 3, 4, and 5 year-olds with many of the same challenges- mainly that they wouldn't stay in their own beds.

With improved imagination and independence it is very common for children to go struggle with staying in their beds, or to have fears of the dark or of being alone.

I wanted to share with you some of the tips I gave parents at this event that seemed to really resonate.

1. Spread Safety

Verbalize to your child that their room and their bed is a safe space. We know this, but sometimes they need to hear it.
Show them that you're watching them and keeping them safe through their monitor. You can even play a little game where you ask their favorite stuffy or blanky to help keep them safe and cozy during the night. Look at the stuffy but make sure your child is listening while you have that :conversation". Have the stuffy respond, and then snuggle the stuffy up with your child. It's a fun way to make sure your child doesn't feel alone and "unattended" during the night.

2. The Kissing Game

The kissing game is something I recommend to a lot of my clients with older children.
After your child's bedtime routine, give them a kiss and tell them you'll be back in 5 minutes with another kiss. After 5 minutes, go back in and give them another kiss and say the same thing.
Repeat until they fall asleep.
This little game helps them realize that you don't disappear forever when you leave their room, you always come back when you say you will, and that they can get that extra love and connection they need, all while still staying in bed - a win-win for you and for them!

3. Still Getting Up?

If your child still gets out of bed after the kissing game, or in the middle of the night, walk them calmly and silently back to their bed with as few words as possible. Just say a key phrase like "it's sleepy time, let's get back in bed", tuck them in, and leave.
Do not engage in lengthy conversation, debates, etc. as this can turn into a game for your child.

Do you have questions about your older child's sleep? If so, I'd love to chat with you!
Book a free 15-minute call with me HERE.