Healthy Sleeping

Stress Relief

For all children, sleep anxiety and separation anxiety are the first emotional challenges they'll face during their lifetimes. Being left alone at night can be a traumatic experience for young boys and girls. Helping your child make the transition to his/her own bed is important, but it may take some time and work. Many parents have found that a trundle bed can make the job a lot easier.

What to look for Anxiety Nightmares Physical discomfort Breathing disorders Irregular routines All of these are reasons why children can have difficulties adjusting to sleeping alone in their own beds. Childhood specialists suggest that in some of these cases, a weaning process often works best. In the beginning, parents can encourage children to sleep in their own room by remaining close by - without being in the same bed. Trundle beds are a great way for parents to accomplish this and help to ease their children into a healthy bedtime routine.

Additional Solutions
Here are some additional methods to help children overcome bedtime fear and anxiety.

1. Establish a routine and schedule. Decide on a bedtime and stick firmly to it.
2. Allow bedtime to include pleasant activities that the child will look forward to, such as talking, bedtime songs, stories, prayers, tickling, hugs, etc.
3. Provide a soft toy for company.
4. Leave on a nightlight
5. Leave the bedroom door open or cracked.

Remember that separation anxiety is a normal part of a child's development. Be patient and loving, and they will soon overcome their fears.