How should I talk with my child about sleeping?
Your child will sleep much more successfully if they understand the the goals and objectives that you have selected. Use some of the conversational examples below to talk with your child.
I want to teach you about good sleeping. Your first step is to choose a toy, blanket, pillow, or other item. You will use that item for falling asleep. Here are some of the toys, pillows, and blankets that you can choose from. Which one(s) do you want to use?
I want to teach you about good sleeping. Let’s find an activity to do together to make it easier for you to fall asleep. We can read a short story. Or, we can have a conversation. How about if we talk about the fun things we’ll do tomorrow?
Even though you think i need to lie down with you, I want to teach you something new. You’re going to fall asleep with the help of your new sleeping partners. You really just need your toy, pillow, and blanket for falling asleep. You don’t need me. One day, I’'ll show you how to fall asleep with your fall-asleep items. For now, you can keep on sleeping with me. But i also want you to get used to using your new sleeping partners.
Let’s choose a day on the calendar when you will use your toys, pillow and blanket for falling asleep. I won’t be in your room with you on that night. You’re going to be falling asleep on your own. Should we do it on Friday or Sunday? Do you want to wait until we have a long weekend? If you can’t choose a day, I’ll choose one for you.
When you’re learning how to fall asleep on your own, you won’t be lying down next to me. You need to not see me and not talk with me. I’ll talk with you every minute or so, so that you don’t need to feel scared. Your job is to stay in your bed and fall asleep. It might take a while, but I know you’ll fall asleep after a while.
When you are learning how to fall asleep on your own, i will need to be outside of your room. I’ll be right there. I’ll even talk to you, so you know that I’m there. But here’s the rule: You have to stay in your bed. If you get out of your bed, I’m going to close the door.
I know that you’ll be proud of yourself once you figure this out. You’ll be amazed that you can asleep on your own.
Let’s make a plan to have a celebration once you are sleeping on your own each night.
I know that I’m a good teacher. I know that you can be a successful learner. It might feel frustrating for a while, but I know that it will all work out OK.
If your child does not have good language skills, you will have to teach your child through showing and doing. You can still use all of the same conversations shown above, even if your child does not understand all of the words. Just speaking to your child shows them that you are in charge and confident. If needed, use photos or pictures to explain what you mean.