How to Help 2-Year Olds Go to Sleep
By the time your child reaches the age of two, you will find his sleep routine changes. According to Baby Center, he is learning to declare his independence, which is why he may rebel from sleeping when you want him to. He also may have developed a fear of sleeping alone; monsters under the bed or frightening thunderstorms won't let him sleep. You can help get him back to sleeping regularly with a number of techniques.
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Instructions
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Instructions
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Establish a quiet bedtime routine. The only way you'll get him in the right mood to sleep is to create a quiet and calming bedtime routine. Put a bedtime chart on the wall, which includes a time for bath, a final drink or snack and a bedtime story. Tell your child before each step of the routine so he knows what you expect of him. Don't let him delay the routine with distractions, like an extra 10 minutes playing or more drinks than he needs.
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Be firm. You have to show your child that it's you who is in control. Speak calmly and firmly to her that she needs to continue with the routine. Don't let yourself get frustrated -- you should expect her to be defiant and whine about going to sleep. Remain calm and stick to the routine.
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Offer rewards. At the age of two, your child will respond to rewards as a form of encouragement. Tell your child that if he cooperates and sleeps in his bed for three nights then you will give him a treat. Hang a chart on the wall and place a sticker every morning if he behaved well the night before. This will let your child see his progress. Reward him with a new toy, an extra scoop of ice cream or a trip to a local playground.
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Give your child choices. The steps of a routine mustn't change but there are certain choices she can make within. Let her choose the bedtime story. Ask her whether she wants a cup of milk before she brushes his teeth or a cup of water after. Asking her these things will show her she can be assertive at certain points, but regardless of the choice, the outcome will be the same.
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Let him sleep on his own. Your child has to learn how to fall asleep by himself and in his own bed. Don't stay in his room too long before he sleeps even if he begs you to. Make sure his bed is comfortable so there are no excuses for him not to sleep in it.
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Ask her why she doesn't want to sleep. If she is continually having trouble sleeping, there may be an underlying issue. For example, she isn't tired, it's too noisy in the house or she's scared of the dark. Talk to her about why she isn't falling asleep. See if you can solve the problem with a night light or playing relaxing music to send her off to sleep easier.
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Have patience. Your child will only learn to change any bad sleeping habits with time so don't get disheartened if he doesn't pick it up straight away. Be consistent. His cognitive development is in the early stages so it will take him time to change many sleep problems. Take it one step at a time.
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References
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