Rock-a-bye baby Use simple methods and roUtine to get lit tle ones to sleep by Erin M EyEring
It’s
a shrill, ear-piercing cry at Instead, bring a toothbrush to keep minds midnight. It’s wide eyes after busy, teeth clean, and save a little time for three bedtime stories. It’s hearing your mom or dad while the child’s body relaxes. bedroom door creak open, followed by a After a bath, the rest of the nightly shy, “I can’t sleep.” routine can be tailored to the child’s age. For children, it’s any excuse to get out Maybe the parent can read a story to the of bed. child; maybe the child can read a story to It’s no secret that getting babies and the parent. Some parents recommend a kids to sleep can be challenging. It’s not yoga-like body scan where the child can even a secret that the word “challenging” practice relaxing each individual part of might be an understatement. his or her body (first toes, then ankles, and It’s all about move up from there) trial and error, says until sleep comes Melissa Martinezeasily. Chauvin, local yoga Something else teacher and mother of to consider for the 17-month-old son. not-yet-potty trained Keeping a routine The key, she’s little ones is using found, is a nightly nighttime diapers. is a great way to routine. The extra absorption Keeping a routine may keep the son let kids know that is a great way to let or daughter asleep kids know that the longer. day is ending, and Another trick the day is ending, that it’s nearly time could be to use for bed. Like adults, essential oils as home and that it’s nearly if children know what remedy. Try using a to expect going into spritz of water mixed time for bed. a situation, they may with several drops of not fight the process lavender essential oil as much as they on a child’s pillow might have if they’re to release a calming uncertain of what’s to scent. A diffuser can come. also be used to release Martinez-Chauvin starts her evening the essential oil slowly into the room routine by serving her son, Jai, a wholeand create a soft background noise for some dinner at the table with the family. children. Lastly, when putting the kids to Because children can be picky, she recomsleep, remember that they can often sense mends serving different flavors of foods parents’ bad moods. Although it’s frustratyour children like, so they’re content ing, it will come. Building the foundation with a full belly at bedtime. For Jai, it’s a for good sleep is crucial, and maintaining variety of flavored rice, including coconut that routine will help both parents and little and almond. After dinner, it’s on to a ones in the long run. soothing bath. “I notice a big difference in the Baths can be a great way to relax way he responds to my calm energy vs. children. Warm water, and the feeling of my annoyed go back to sleep energy,” weightlessness can feel soothing at any Martinez-Chauvin said. Ω age. For those giving your children a bath before bed, try to avoid playtime with toys.
Call (775) 328-6147 for free and confidential testing
FAMiLy gUiDE | nOVEMbEr 5, 2015
15
