At the onset, you may hear cries of protest from your child. After all, he has already gotten used to sleeping beside you or near you. This is normal toddler behavior. However, you can still encourage your child to sleep on his own by setting some examples and “rules” to help him out.
Practice a bedtime routine
A bedtime routine can help your toddler recognize that it is already time for him to go to bed. Drinking a warm glass of milk, brushing his teeth, and changing into bedtime clothes will let your toddler know that it is time for some shut eye. These simple things, when practiced regularly, will prepare your toddler into sleeping on his own.
Set the time for bed
Toddler sleep varies from time to time. If your toddler usually takes afternoon naps, expect him to sleep later during the night. However, you may prod your child to go to bed by letting him know that once you turn off the lights, it is time for him to get some sleep.
Create the mood for sleeping
Toddlers are simply full of energy. See to it that he makes good use of that energy by giving him enough activity during the day. Be careful not to rouse your toddler’s excitement after dinner by lessening his TV and play time. When he is already on his bed, play some soothing music to help your toddler fall asleep. Remove toys from his bed, but let him cuddle his favorite one for comfort.
Give your toddler a sense of ownership
Toddlers need to feel secure in his bed before he could sleep comfortably. Your toddler might want to make the bed “his own” by choosing his own blanket. Let him pick his own sheets. That will give your toddler a sense of ownership, and quite possibly, help him stay in bed for the rest of the night.
Toddlers discover new things on their own each day. It is a sign that they are ready to be independent. Help your toddler gain autonomy by introducing new things for him to explore, such as sleeping on his own bed. The idea may be daunting for him at first, but it is a worthwhile effort that will lead to independence.
