Getting a good night’s sleep after you have a baby might seem a luxury for parents. The whole night of crying, feeding and changing diapers might make you a zombie. Wanting to give away the baby is not a weird and selfish thought! But this blog has some tips to help you control your extreme emotions. Breaking your child’s sleep associations can need patience and perseverance.
In this article:
1. The Sooner, The Better
Some parents might think that making their kids sleep alone might make them terrible parents, but on the contrary, you will be allowing your child to understand the importance of space. But we advise you not to take the step if you are about to have a new baby, potty training or traveling somewhere. Do it when you have a regular routine and no new changes.
2. Treat Them As Adults
When you are making any kind of changes in your child’s life, like making them sleep alone, ensure that you give them a detailed reason to do so. As adults, your child also needs to have full closure. Do not hide facts or tell them some kid’s stories if you are willing to make changes to their life. Explain to them that this decision is a step that you are taking towards their future, and mommy and daddy have to work all day, so a good night’s sleep is necessary.
3. Sit By Them Till They Fall Asleep
Your child will miss you, and you will miss them the first day when you take this step. To sleep tight without guilt and ensure that your lil one is sleeping soundly, sit by them till they fall asleep in their new bed.
Make this habit a ritual that you follow till your child is comfortable sleeping alone. Make this time an interesting time to bond with your child; ask them about their day and tell them about yours. Reading is also a good habit that you might take up to make your child fall asleep.
4. Deal With The Tantrums
It is not going to end up smoothly and how you have planned. You know how life is as an adult, so no eyebrow raises! Your child is like to throw tantrums and manipulate you with their doggy eyes. On some days, your child might be as calm as the sea; on other days, you will witness the sea is truing into a tsunami. In such cases, you have to think for the best and prepare for the worst.
Assurance can work wonders; tell your child that you are in the next room. The first few days, you might be summoned with cries every 30 mins. Ensure that you respond to them each time they call you or cry. This will make them trust you that you are a keeper of your words. Practicing this sleep pattern will eventually work out to break your child’s sleep association.
