Getting your child to sleep through the night starts with healthy sleep habits for the whole family.  And how do we mold strong sleep habits for our children?   Monkey see monkey do.   If you stay up late, that’s what they want to do.  If you go to bed early and read, they will want to do this also.  Believe it or not,  sleep is not all about what we do in the actual moment; it’s what we do leading up to bedtime.  Take a look and see how to guide your little one into sound sleep habits lasting a lifetime.

Stay Active

Ever notice getting your child to sleep through the night is easier when your day is active?  It’s so simple.  But during the pandemic, it’s been challenging to engage in everyday activities.  Many countries recommend 3 hours of active play a day for kids six and up.  The CDC recommends 1 hour in the U.S.  These are total hours per day, so maybe somewhere in the middle is ideal.  Exercise is like sleep.  The more we get, the happier we feel.  And, if we are having a lot of fun, we often lose track of time.  So, play an extra game of hide-and-seek or tag before dinner to tucker your kiddo out before bedtime.

Here’s an idea

Another fun game you can do most anywhere is a nature scavenger hunt with active directives.  For example, ” Skip three houses down and find a leaf” or “Do ten bunny hops and pick a flower.  Of course, set up things you know your child can find easily.  The priority is the activity, not the objects found.  And, even if you feel tired, join in on the fun.  After all, your sleep is just as important.  Plus, when you join, it makes it more fun for your child:)

Talk about Sleep

Knowledge is power, even for kids.  Telling children to  “go to bed” because it’s bedtime leaves them frustrated with many unanswered questions.  If you explain why sleep is essential to their health, then the family’s rest is about taking care of themselves.  Not because you said so.  Here are a few questions you can explore with them to communicate why sleep is so valuable for their health:

1. Why do we need sleep?
2. What does sleep do to our bodies?
3. Why do we feel better after a good night’s rest?
4. How do you feel when you don’t sleep well?
5. How do mommy and daddy feel when they don’t sleep well?

Fun Fact

Studies have shown children who are active during the day fall asleep faster. And those who fall asleep more quickly tend to sleep better and stay asleep longer at night.

Rise and Shine

In the morning, when your family has had a good night’s rest, talk about how amazing you feel.  Walk outside together, pick a flower and take a deep breath of the fresh morning air.  Come up with words describing your new morning feelings.  Then, at bedtime, point out the feelings you both have as well.  Sharing feelings clarifies how all humans, even mommies, and daddies, need a good night’s rest to stay healthy.

At Tucked+Covered, our mission is better sleep for the whole family.  We understand getting your child to sleep through the night can be challenging at times.  That’s why we left no stone unturned when creating our award-winning design.  Our sheets flow with your child, keeping them comfy cozy with lots of wiggle room.  So, the primary sleep disruptor of untucked sheets is no longer a problem.  If you haven’t already tried us, give us a whirl for 30 naps or naps.  Then you will know first hand why moms and dads everywhere are changing their sheets.  Go ahead, sleep happy:)