An article in this Sunday’s issue of Manila Bulletin got my interest because it generously gave out tips to get kids sleep earlier at night. I was able to relate with the short stories told about parents who happen to have little night owl at home. I came to realize as well that I am not alone dealing with the same problem.
And I would like to share with you what for me is essential in the said article.
DEALING STARTS WITH UNDERSTANDING
There are many reasons why children sleep late. Parents who have trouble with their night owls can better deal with the late bedtime if they know the reason behind it.
- Genetics
According to Dr. Richard Ferber, a pediatric sleep disorder expert whose name has become synonymous with sleep training, genetics may very well be involved. You have to have night owls with the early birds and both follow a natural propensity for certain times of the day.
- Changes in Sleep Routines
Non-bed sharing babies 6 to 12 months old may start sleeping later when they go through the stage of separation anxiety.
- Wresting control
For older toddlers, it may be a bid for independence. They are curious to find out how far they can push their parents or how much they can get their way. They could very well be testing your parental control of the situation.
- Your Own Example
The parents’ nightly routine and nighttime practices can also greatly influence their children’s bedtime. They may not be aware of it, but parents sometimes send out encouraging signals to their kids to stay up. If the entire house remains bustling, children won’t want to miss any of the activities. And then there are parents who simply refuse to bother with bedtime struggles.
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