Once you have made the appropriate changes to your child’s
schedule to ensure that he is not overtired or under tired when trying to
settle for bedtime, you want to make the space appealing. Have them make
positive associations with the room aside from sleep. Extra playtime during the
day or having them help pick out some decorations can really help. If they don’t
have a nightlight take your toddler to pick one out, it will give a sense of
ownership over the room as well as provide some comfort at night. Eliminating
fears is important, do some role play with a toy to see if he expresses any
concerns about the space or being left alone in the dark. Whether you feel that
there are fears or not, a cape for boys and some wings or a magic wand for
girls, can help make the room monster free.
A sticker chart works great as an incentive plan. Each night
they stay in their room a sticker goes on the chart. If they have a good week,
there is a prize to be had. Give big praise at wake up and let them add the
sticker to they can visually see the progress.
Toddlers do well having a sippy cup to bring to bed with
them, it really doesn’t need to have a lot in it. It is just an item they get
to hold onto and is there in case they wake up thirsty. It works much like their
special blanket or stuffed animal. Filling it with chamomile tea can be calming
and help with any teeth that may be still coming in.
If your toddler is potty training there is a bit more
involved in the changes to the nighttime routine as you want make sure he is
not anxious and lying awake with fear of having to go during the night.
There are also
changes to the routine which can be made if your toddler leaves his room each
night and comes looking for you. Those solutions vary depending on each child’s
temperament.
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