Celebrate! BedTime
BedTime Routines
Parenting.com discusses the importance of building a nightly routine and offers 14 suggestions of elements to choose from for building your child’s bedtime routine. www.parenting.com/article/14-happy-bedtime-rituals
For parents of toddlers and preschoolers who struggle to go to bed well, WebMD offers suggestions to get bedtime back on track. Be aware of the cultural expectation for children to learn to sleep on their own. Not all cultures value this as a goal in early childhood. www.webmd.com/children/features/make-your-kids-bedtime-battle-free#4
Biopsychologist Dr. Alice G. Waltman discusses the importance of a regular bed time. Children whose bedtimes are regular during key points of development score better in math, reading and spatial awareness later in childhood. www.thedoctorwillseeyounow.com/content/kids/art4095.html In further support of a regular bed time, Dr. Esther Entin explains how and why children behave better when their bed time is consistent. www.parents.com/health/healthy-happy-kids/young-children-behave-better-when-they-have-a-consistent-bedtime/
Sleeping habits
The National Sleep Foundation gives guidelines for the amount of sleep considered normal for each stage of your child’s development. Consult this chart to see whether your child is getting the right amount of sleep. www.sleepfoundation.org/excessivesleepiness/content/how-much-sleep-do-babies-and-kids-need
Culture of BedTime
As in all aspects of childrearing, there are many cultural variations to what is considered ideal with infant and toddler sleep. This article examines Western culture norms in comparison to other cultures around the world.
www.babysleepsite.com/sleep-training/baby-toddler-sleep-cultural-differences/
Science of Sleep
The following two articles examine the effects of listening to soft classical music during sleep and awake time.
www.oureverydaylife.com/music-affects-babies-toddlers-sleeping-30112.html
www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-2536032/Playing-classical-music-baby-improve-listening-skills-later-life.html
This site links to multiple types of sleep disorders in children. Contact your child’s pediatrician if you suspect your child may have a sleep disorder.
www.phoenixchildrens.org/medical-specialties/pulmonology/sleep-medicine/types-of-sd-in-children
Connecting at BedTime
This article explores the reasons why bedtime stories are so important to children. It is an opportunity to connect and share, cuddle and reassure your child before parting at bedtime.
www.dreams.co.uk/sleep-matters-club/important-bedtime-stories-children/
Here are five suggestions of things to say to your child each night at bedtime to build connection and make for a smoother parting. www.kidspot.com.au/parenting/parenthood/parenting-style/the-5-most-important-things-to-say-to-our-kids-at-bedtime