As a parent for 3.5 years, the question I got asked most are "how I make my kids go to bed early", followed by grumbles how impossible for their kids to sleep early. Seriously, even the security at my building complaint her grandchildren sleeping at 12 midnight. Some of them then would jump to conclusion and sarcastically mentioning how easy my life as a mom is/ how my kids are the easy one.
My kids are in bed by 7.30 pm and usually asleep by 8 pm. I understand families with working parents come home late and prefer their kids stay up a little longer to spend some quality time; I know some parents who woke an hour early in the morning to spend time with kids and have them sleep early too, so in the end it's really all on parents' priorities and family's lifestyle.
And here come the questions:
- Why so early? K wakes early at 6.50 am on school days, maybe 7.30 am on weekends and D wakes around 8 am. K usually don't nap anymore, and D takes 1 hour nap every now and then. They sleeps early for 2 reasons - mommy need me-time and most importantly, it's healthier for children growth and development.
- Why drop the nap? So I heard and read about naps benefits, you can't put a kid fueled with energy to nap. It gets harder for K to fall asleep for nap when she turned 3, so I decided to drop it. Of course there are days she is exhausted and requested for nap but it always have to end up with at least 1.5 hours outdoor time to be able to sleep by 8 pm.
- How to sleep train efficiently?
First, have a consistent sleep routine (wash up, bed time story, chat/ singing) and always hugs and kisses with everyone in the house before going to bed.
Second, decide what time and stick with it (at least for the first 2-3 months). Most days my kids sleep early, but it doesn't mean they can never have late night out, it' just don't happen very often.
Third, if they nap or want to nap, limit the time of naps. For example, my kids must wake from naps no later than 4.30 pm.
That's how I do it.
x S
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