1. Establish a
routine. This might include brushing teeth, having a drink of water/milk, going
potty, reading a book, singing a song. Whatever you are comfortable with that
is calming for you and your child.
2. Dim the room
as much as possible and shut out other noises as much as possible.
3. After you
have finished your routine say, something like, “Night night, sleep tight,
mommy loves you.”
4. Close the
door and leave the room. Unless you are concerned about your child’s safety, do
not go in the room for at least 5 minutes. This may feel like FOREVER so keep
your eyes on the clock.
5. If your
child is still very upset after five minutes, be as unemotional as possible
while putting them back in bed, tucking them in, and repeat the phrase, “Night
night, sleep tight, mommy loves you.”
a. This shows
your child they are safe you are still nearby, but that they are not going to
get any more attention from you.
6. If he goes
right back to screaming/crying, wait another 5-10 minutes. And repeat the same
affirmations.
a. If you begin
to cuddle or give him a drink of water or give in whatever he is requesting,
your child will learn that his crying works so he’s going to keep doing it.
b. If on the
other hand, you stay firm, your child will learn that it is time for bed and
crying is not going to get them anywhere.
7. Sometimes
it’s very hard to hear your baby crying or calling your name, if you need to
turn the TV on, call a friend, move to another room, or somehow separate so you
don’t have to hear it.
8. Don’t expect
this to be easy! Starting a new routine and breaking habits is Difficult and
can be Very Emotional. Once you and your child learn the new routine, I
guarantee it will pay off in dividends! Every once in a while she or he may try
to challenge you again, but just stay firm and know it’s part of being a
toddler. Don’t be too hard on yourself if you slip a little, just get right
back on track the next day, YOU CAN DO THIS!
The SuperNanny is awesome at
sleep training, here are just a few examples;
Two little girls, and the mom
stays in bed with them,
Six year old girl, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tGXYtQ3Wt-Y
Websites Dedicated to Sleep
Training
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