by Kim Perrone

Bedtime from a child’s perspective: Fun ends, Mom and Dad request a speedy trip off to dreamland in a darkened room, while they get to stay up and do cool stuff.

Sure, you might be tackling dishes, bills, or falling asleep in front of the television, but they don’t know that. No, to your child, your fun is just beginning. Break out the Play-doh!

No matter why your child can’t or won’t transition to sleep easily, it’s important to tweak their bedtime routine to find a solution. According to Judith Owens and Jodi Mindell, authors of Take Charge of Your Child’s Sleep: The All-in-One Resource for Solving Sleep Problems in Kids and Teens (Da Capo Press), a child’s sleep problems can turn into distress for the whole family.

How so? The National Sleep Foundation (www.sleepfoundation.org) says, “Poor or inadequate sleep can lead to mood swings, behavioural problems such as hyperactivity and cognitive problems that impact on their ability to learn in school.”

FIGHT FEARS
Kids’ bedtime fears range from common nightmares to true eyebrow raisers (“But, the dust bunnies under my bed will eat me!”). Owens and Mindell write, “Listen and understand. Don’t dismiss or make fun of [their fears], as fears that seem silly to you as an adult may be very real to your child.”

As well, the authors suggest you explain how you confront your worries. Perhaps find stories about characters who rise above knee-knocking fears. By doing so, you provide a toolbox of coping mechanisms to choose from.

The Canadian Pediatric Society (www.cps.ca) notes that, “Nightmares can happen after a stressful physical or emotional event or can be caused by fever.” The best cure for a nightmare is a parent’s calm voice, prayer, some cuddling and plenty of reassurance that everything is okay.

TUMMY TAMERS
A snack before bed is an enticing kickoff to a bedtime routine. However, not all bedtime snacks are created equal! For restful sleep, the Mayo Clinic favours a light snack that is mostly carbohydrate with a little protein. Such a combination may help the brain produce higher levels of sleep-inducing chemicals as opposed to too much protein, which can up brain activity.

Offer a small bowl of cereal with low-fat milk, banana or apple slices with a little peanut butter, crackers topped with a couple of cheese cubes or a slice of turkey.

Limit liquids for obvious reasons!

SET THE TONE
Reading to your child scores major points on many levels. It involves comfort, quality time, and learning. Plus, if you take Owens’ and Mindell’s advice of reading in the dark by flashlight, you can help get your child used to the dark in a fun way.

A bedtime prayer reminds kids of their many blessings and encourages them to see God as their ultimate protector and source of peace. Why not couple prayers with mini life lessons from a Christian perspective? Visit Sermon Snacks (www.sermonsnacks.com/bedtime-snacks), which provides parents with Bible Verses and tips on subjects such as attracting friends, trusting God, and the importance of discipline.

WHAT’S UP, DOC?
Sometimes a child can’t sleep well due to a medical ailment. The CPS says that if your child snores regularly, sleepwalks frequently, or has more than an occasional night terror (sudden thrashing, screaming, and rejection of consoling), it’s time to seek medical or pastoral help.

VICTORY!
Parents whose kids respond well to their bedtime routine are parents who have more time before their own bedtime. Sure, there are a million things busy moms and dads need to get done in that time, but don’t forget time for each other. Shut down the excuses, the computer, and the television — unless watching together is the plan.

Have a candlelit snack, play a game, exchange a massage, set a new goal for your family. Peek at your sleeping kids and marvel at the job you’ve done so far.

Know that through good times and bad, you, too, have Someone to look to for reassurance and guidance.

For more Family Focus articles, visit our Archives!

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