7 common mistakes parents do that make children not want to sleep!
We all know that putting a child to sleep can be difficult. We often look for ideas on what to give the child before bedtime, what books to read, what bedding to buy… but sometimes, it doesn’t help. And this is because we, as parents, are the “problem” – not the child, the room decor, or the type of pillow.
Here is a list of 7 common mistakes parents make that make it difficult for children to have a peaceful sleep:
Not enough shared playtime during the day.
The modern world, constant rush, easy access to time-consuming cheap entertainment (screens) mean that we spend less and less time with our children. Shared playtime is the language of children’s love. Therefore, to make your child feel important, loved, and accepted, set aside at least 30 minutes a day for shared playtime. This should be a time when you do nothing else but play with your child.
Perceiving falling asleep as a difficulty and a problem.
When difficulties with falling asleep last for a while, and you are human and are just tired at the thought of another evening, it can cause goosebumps. The problem, however, is that if you perceive something as a difficulty… you automatically become more sensitive to everything that does not go according to your plan.
As a result, you may interpret every minor situation as something significant and quickly enter a mode of irritation from what could have been a potentially peaceful evening.
I know that after many experiences of long sleep and “struggling” with a non-sleeping child, it can be difficult to believe that you can work with this and that it will pass. However, it is precisely an attitude full of hope and openness that makes it easier to be with a sleeping child in a calm, sensitive, and accepting way.
Yelling (especially in the evening).
Just as it is difficult for you to calm down when you are nervous, it may be difficult for your child to fall asleep if the parent recently yelled, made unpleasant remarks, or used punishment.
Therefore, if you observe increased irritation, more nerves, and yelling, it is worth taking care of it. This may be an important signal that you are on the road to parental burnout or depression.
A specialist meeting can help, learning new communication methods, taking care of your needs. You can also take advantage of my course “Pill for Parental Burnout” or the Development Process for Moms.
Lack of a friendly evening ritual.
The Friendly Evening Ritual is a technique I taught many parents! Often, what adults understand as an evening routine is so boring and unpleasant for the child that they have no desire to engage in it at all. The solution may be a Friendly Evening Ritual, which takes into account the needs of both the child and the parent.
Too much sugar during the day… by the parent.
We know that children like sweets… at the same time, too much sugar during the day can cause internal excitement and make it difficult for the child to calm down.
At the same time, we often forget that sugar acts similarly on adults and that we may be setting an example for our child with our diet.
Too much screen time during the day… by the parent.
Screens are a common cause of sleep problems. They emit a blue light that suppresses melatonin production, which is responsible for sleepiness.
Not enough attention to the child’s needs.
Sometimes we get so busy that we forget that our child needs our attention. We may be physically present, but mentally absent. Taking care of your child’s needs and providing a safe and nurturing environment will help them feel secure and comfortable at bedtime.
If that’s the case, it’s worth taking care of yourself. Seek support. Start appreciating small behaviors of your child and your own small successes.
Experiencing more relaxation and inner peace contributes to better slee
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