Sleep training babies is hard – but is getting your kindergarten-aged child to fall asleep on their own any easier?
Training your kindergarten-aged child to fall asleep on their own and settle independently for sleep can be a challenging but important task. By helping your child develop good sleep habits, you can set them up for a lifetime of healthy sleep and well-being.
The amount of time it takes to sleep train your child can vary depending on a number of factors, such as their age, temperament, and sleep habits. In general, it’s important to be patient and consistent and to give your child time to adjust to the new routine. It may take a few weeks or longer for your child to fully develop the ability to fall asleep on their own.
Train Your Kindergarten Aged Child to Fall Asleep on Their Own
Here are some tips and strategies for training your child to fall asleep on their own and settle independently for sleep:
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Establish a consistent bedtime routine.
A consistent bedtime routine can help your child relax and prepare for sleep. This can include activities such as reading a bedtime story, taking a bath, or listening to calming music.
By doing the same activities in the same order every night, your child will learn to associate these activities with sleep and will be more likely to fall asleep on their own. A consistent bedtime is also an important part of helping your child fall asleep on their own.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children ages 3 to 5 get 10 to 13 hours of sleep per night, which means a bedtime of 7 to 8 pm is appropriate for most children in this age range.
Image Source: iStock
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Create a sleep-friendly environment.
A comfortable and conducive sleep environment can make a big difference in your child’s ability to fall asleep on their own. This can include making sure their bed is comfortable, the room is dark and cool, and there are no distractions such as loud noises or bright lights.
If your child is sharing a room with a sibling or other family member who has a different bedtime, it can be challenging to establish a consistent sleep routine. In this case, it may be helpful to create a designated sleep area for your child, such as a small tent or a separate corner of the room, to help them feel more in control of their sleep environment.
You can also use white noise or other sound-blocking techniques to create a more peaceful sleep environment for your child.
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Encourage your child to self-soothe.
Many children rely on parents or caregivers to help them fall asleep, such as by rubbing their backs or singing a lullaby. However, it’s important for your child to learn how to self-soothe and fall asleep on their own.
You can encourage this by gradually decreasing the amount of physical and verbal support you provide, and by teaching your child calming techniques such as deep breathing or imagining a peaceful place.
Initially, you may need to spend more time in the room to provide comfort and support, but over time you can gradually reduce the amount of time you spend in the room.
A good guideline is to stay in the room until your child is drowsy but not yet asleep, and then return briefly every few minutes to provide reassurance until they are fully asleep. This can help your child learn to fall asleep on their own, while still providing the support and comfort they need.
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Be patient and consistent.
Training your child to fall asleep on their own can take time and patience. It’s important to be consistent in your approach and to avoid giving in to your child’s pleas for help. If your child is struggling to fall asleep, try to remain calm and supportive, and provide reassurance that they will be able to fall asleep on their own.
If your child wakes up in the middle of the night crying and asking for you, you can calm them down with a quick hug and tuck them in bed, sitting on their bedside until they fall asleep.
You can do this gradually for a few nights, then adding more time on the interval of when you answer their call (some wait five minutes before going to their child’s room) or distance (from staying by the bedside, you can stay outside their door, or the hallway where they can see you) until your child has successfully learned to sleep on their own.
Image Source: iStock
Sleep training a child at any age – whether it’s a baby or a kindergartener, can be a struggle. But by following these tips and strategies, you can help your child develop good sleep habits and learn to fall asleep on their own. So while it is challenging, bear in mind that this can benefit their health, well-being, and overall quality of life.
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