Bedtime/Sleeping/Nap Routine Guide..
Your child has a hard time settling down or soothing self to sleep.
What can I do to prevent the problem behavior?
- Offer to put on music and/or rock or rub
- your child’s back using a first-then visual or verbal prompt: Say, “First lie down quietly; then I will put on the music, rub your back, or rock you.”
- Have child positioned with minimal distractions or escape routes
- Provide a choice of a doll or stuffed animal to sleep with (for older children – not infants)
- Praise for resting quietly.
What new skills should I teach?
- Teach your child to first rest quietly; then mommy/daddy will turn on music and rub back or rock.
- Teach your child to rub baby doll’s or stuffed animal’s back.
- Teach your child to make a choice of a comfort item.