10 ways to help your child sleep better

Here are some easy and simple ways to help your child sleep better.

By: Aradhana Pandey | | Updated: March 20, 2015 5:50 pm

Unlike adults, sleep is the last thing children look forward to. However, kids need a minimum of 9 hours of sleep to stay healthy and happy. Here are few sleep-inducing activities that can help your little one sleep better:

Sing a lullaby: Despite the introduction of numerous sleep-inducing apps, the magic of a lullaby never fails. Kids love to hear a soothing tune that helps them unwind and slide into deep slumber. Lullabies help strengthen the bond between a child and the caregiver, mother or father, and are also known to boost a child’s cognitive development.
Read a bedtime tale: Adventurous stories always excite little children. A bedtime tale^[1], when read by a parent, can do a lot to improve the child’s learning and lower his stress levels. It also helps him gain greater command over a language. Try including minor variations in the same story so that it registers in your child’s mind as the bedtime story. Here are 10 ways to help your child learn to read well.
Go playful: Games don’t always have to be the ones involving physical activity. There are many other games that can help your child relax and improve the parent-child relationship. You could guide him to complete a jigsaw puzzle or ask him to recite a rhyme in return of a treat. Because these activities stimulate brain cells, your child will tire out and get a more peaceful sleep. Here are five reasons why your infant doesn’t need a pillow to sleep.
Try audio-books: If you think you aren’t a good storyteller yourself,there is a wide choice of audio-books in the market that can help children sleep. They have a mix of soothing music and stories that transport your child’s mind to a dreamy, imaginary world.
Show them old pictures: Take your kids down the memory lane. Show them pictures of themselves when they were little. Describe the entire family tree to them and ask them to identify people in pictures. This is a good activity to help your child relax after an active day.
Take them on a short stroll: A walk around the garden, before bedtime is a good way to boost the impact of sleep hormones such as melatonin, which will give your child a sound sleep, soon after. It can be a refreshing outlet for you as well. Here are nine reasons why your child should actively participate in sports.
Give them a bedtime treat: If your child displays good behavior, make sure you reward him with a yummy bedtime treat. Avoid high-sugar, caffeinated and junk foods as these can disrupt your child’s peaceful sleep and aggravate sleep disorders ^[2].
Introduce a bedtime scrapbook: Get your child in the habit of keeping an account of daily activities by drawing or writing in a bedtime scrapbook. This will give your child an outlet to express, will clear his mind off worries and help sleep better.
Give a warm bath: Give your child a warm bath before bed. This is one of the most therapeutic means to relax your child’s mind and body. Use epsom salts or lavender oil in the bath.
Teach meditation: Meditation, if done the right way, can do wonders to help your child relax and rest well. Make your child close eyes, take deep breaths and imagine beautiful and peaceful scenarios. Make this a daily practice.

Note: It is essential that you set a strict bedtime routine for your child. Switch off the TV an hour before your kid’s sleeping time and get him into the comfort mode. Make sure he wears cozy clothes to sleep. Create a sleep–friendly environment by dimming lights and ensuring there is very minimal ambient noise. Make sure the room temperature is not too hot or cold. Tuck a blanket snugly around your angel, hand him his favorite beanie and kiss him goodnight.

Aradhana Pandey is a passionate writer and loves to write on topics like parenting, wellness, health and lifestyle. She is a regular contributor for natural news, elephant journal, naturally savvy, curejoy and MomJunction.com. Through her writings, she want to motivate people to develop healthy habits and adopt natural ways.

Image source: Getty Images

Published: January 16, 2015 6:50 pm | Updated:March 20, 2015 5:50 pm

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