34 The Courier SUN • kids & education • NOVEMBER 28, 2013 for breaking news visit www.queenscourier.com ▶kids & education How to help kids adjust to sleep schedule changes As a parent, you know how important a routine can be in keeping your children happy and well-adjusted. However, there will come a time where your triedand true routine must be adjusted to handle life’s circumstances. Whether it’s every year at daylight saving time, the start of the school year or holiday travel, you’ll often be faced with the challenge of adjusting what time your child wakes up and goes to bed. But there’s no reason to panic when sleep schedules change. With a few helpful tips, you can have your children back on a routine and feeling rested as they adjust to their new schedules. Sleep expert Kim West, licensed clinical social worker, also known as The Sleep Lady, offers the following tips for making a seamless transition to new bedtimes. New school or day care schedule Changes and transitions can be stressful for small children who don’t always understand why they are happening. It’s not uncommon to see your child suddenly have more difficulty separating than usual whether it’s at drop-off at school or saying good night at bedtime. There may be more stalling and cajoling to keep you in their room at night or even more frequent nightmares. It’s important to make sure that your child doesn’t get sleep deprived which can make the changes more difficult. Holiday travel It can be hard for children (and adults) to fall asleep in a new place. To help make it easier, bring along a lovey and pack a night light, and go ahead and take along favorite books and toys. You want your child to have items that feel and smell comforting and familiar. Bedtime preparations should be in your child’s room, not all over the house. Include stories, songs, or games that soothe, not stimulate. Make sure the rules for how many stories, or how long you will read, are completely clear and non-negotiable. Leave plenty of time, at least a half hour, for her to unwind, and to get the attention from you she needs. If she starts bargaining for an even longer time with you, tell her the clock says you have to stop reading at 8 p.m., so you have 10 minutes. If two parents take turns at bedtime, you don’t have to follow an identical script but you should have a similar routine, style and response to bedtime power plays, fears or manipulation. Many children may not be comfortable in complete darkness, but darkness is important to a restful night of sleep as it allows the body to initiate the melatonin secretion process that’s key to restorative rest. Toys designed to help your children sleep can help soothe your child and provide a dim light to put him more at ease as he falls asleep. By consciously making an effort to help your child adjust to a new schedule, you’ll help ensure that sleep-filled nights will continue for everyone in the family. The small changes you make will have big effects, as everyone will be happier when they’re getting a good night’s sleep. Courtesy BPT LIU POST’S CENTER FOR GIFTED YOUTH FALL 2013 PROGRAM October 5 - December 14, 2013 • CELEBRATING 34 YEARS INQUIRE ABOUT TRANSPORTATION! NEW TECHNOLOGY INFUSION! Are You the Parent of a Gifted Child? LIU Post’s Center for Gifted Youth announces its 34th annual Fall Program for gifted children. The ten-week Saturday program runs from October 5 - December 14, 2013 and is opened to gifted children entering grades K-6 in September 2013. The major focus of the program is to expand students’ knowledge and develop creative and critical thinking skills. The program offers children the opportunity to learn in an innovative and exciting environment. For information call (516) 299-2160 or e-mail [email protected] Now find us on Facebook Follow us on Twitter LIU Post ▲ College of Education, Information and Technology 720 Northern Blvd. ▲ Brookville, NY 11548-1300 Email: [email protected] ▲ liu.edu/post/giftedyouth Lynne Manouvrier, Director Admission is highly selective and enrollment is limited.
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