|
This is a slow gradual approach, it will take time and commitment, but it is generally tearless. You still get tears when
they are teething, but you will regardless of the method you choose
Take however much time between steps that you and your kid need, answer softly and quietly, but don't feel the need to
answer everything they say, some kids talk themseves to sleep. And remember it is hard to go to sleep when you know someone
is mad at you so try not to get mad (hard I know!)
1. Start with almost everything you normally do, but drop just one thing. (If you are still nursing, and they nurse to
sleep, sorry can't drop that). So if you hold them and rock them while singing, drop the song or the rock, but not the holding
and not both.
2. Then after a week or so of successful sleep drop one more thing. Until all you are doing is holding them. Eventually
if they are in a regular or toddler bed, hold them in bed, instead of the rocking chair.
3.Then just sit by them, then just sit on the bed, then get off the bed. If they are in a crib still it is a bit harder,
you could start by having them learn to fall asleep beside you then transition them sleeping to the bed, with the next step
being holding them in the crib, which is VERY uncomfortable for the parent! Again give it a week or so of easy sleep then
sit beside the crib, with an arm in then arm out.
3. Once your child will fall asleep in his or her own bed then start gradually moving away from the bed. Again giving
it a week or so of time in between changes. Then stay in the doorway where they can see you.
4. The finale step, be in the door where they can't see you, preferably where you can see them, that way you can tell
them to stay in bed, or calm them down if they get upset with just a word or song.
5. From there it is easy street. Just start being only in the doorway for a few minutes then wisk off to clear some dishes,
or sweep a floor or hug a spouse and check back in. Still softly answer them if they call (preferably from the doorway)
During this process have something to stave off boredom. I have used a laptop, a book, a crossword, whatever, so long
as it is quiet and keeps you busy so you don't mind the wait. Preferably something that doesn't require too much light, you
don't want a child addicted to light to fall asleep.
Back to sleep issues
|
 |
|
