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Help, My Child Can't Sleep!
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The transition from crib to bed is not always an easy one! Infants and
babies feel comfortable and safe in an "enclosed" space (including their
crib). It's all they've known, from womb until now.
This move to a regular bed, brings with it unique changes and a new found freedom. For some children, this sudden sense of freedom can be a real issue. It doesn't take them long (within minutes for many) to realize they can get in and out of their new bed as many times as they want.
This, of course, quickly turns into a parenting issue. The more
"authoritative" parent may succeed getting their child to stay in bed after
only a few tear-filled nights and "laying-down-the-law" words as well as
actions. Loving concern (or "tough love" as they like to call it) may very
well win if it is purely a behavioral issue. The toddler will adjust and
finally fall asleep on his own, without battles, in his new bed.
For the more "permissive" parent, OR the parent of a child with Sensory
Processing Disorders, the tear-filled battles may be too difficult, and
inconsistency or "giving in" may result... just so everyone can get a little
rest!
Either the parent ends up in the child's room until they fall asleep, or the child ends up in the parents bed. Believe me, I know this experience well. My daughter absolutely could not soothe herself to sleep without my
help, no matter what we tried!
There should be no judgment here... there are also endless in-between
scenarios that could play out as well. My point is, transitions are not
always easy! And, depending on how difficult the new sense of freedom and the lack of a safe, non-stimulating, "enclosed" space is for the child, will determine how challenging the situation becomes for both parent and child.
But, this is certainly not an article focused on parenting or behavior
problems. It is, rather, an article focused on ONE possible solution!
It is easy to see how ANY child would enjoy having a bed tent for their own private sleeping sanctuary...drifting off to sleep in a peaceful, imaginary world. But, my focus is on how a bed tent can be an ideal solution for bedtime battles with children who have Sensory Processing / Sensory Integration issues.
Specifically, bed tents have a positive affect on children who:
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have difficulty modulating their arousal level
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become easily over stimulated (especially visually)
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have major difficulties with transitions
Here's what I would suggest, if I may. Pick out your
child's favorite color,
theme, character, or design. Make a BIG deal out of setting it up and how
lucky he/she is to be able to "camp" in his/her own room!
Give him a flashlight if he needs it for a "night light" or for nighttime
bathroom trips. Let him sleep in a sleeping bag or under a weighted blanket.
Fill the bed tent with his favorite stuffed animals, or
stuff the animals
into his sleeping bag for a nice tight "squeeze" (i.e., for calming, deep
pressure input). Use a
nature sound machine to provide whatever
sound is most soothing. Or, use a white noise machine to calm, soothe and
drown out other household sounds.
Fill his head with self-confidence, let him know you understand it is
harder
for him, praise him (and/or reward him) for sleeping by himself because he
is a "big boy" now, talk to him about the fantasies he can dream up in his
new tent, and give him complete ownership of his new space!
I hope these bed tents will help end, or prevent, some of those nighttime
battles for you! Pleasant dreams to you all.
Ready Bed Tent - Spider-Man
More Bedtime Solutions...
Thomas the Tank Ready Bed
Little Tikes: Lightning McQueen Sports Car Twin
Bed
Bedtime turns into a
dream-filled derby with this McQueen-themed bed. The ever-popular "Cars"
character adds pizzazz to any bedroom with sleek sportster styling and
realistic wheel and hubcap details.
Bed is sized for a standard twin mattress and box spring, not included.
Comes with wooden mattress supports. Mattress height adjusts to two
different levels. Holds up to 225 pounds.
Disney Princess Inflatable Bed
Dream Castle "Grow-With-Me" Bed
Click Here For More Information On Sensory Processing Disorders / Sensory Integration Dysfunction
Click Here For Help With Baby / Infant Sleep
Click Here For Some Unique Children's Sleeping Bags
Visit The Sensory Processing Disorder / Sensory Integration Store
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