Parents advised on helping toddlers to get a good night''s sleep
Many parents with young children will worry if their toddler is receiving the right amount of sleep to ensure they are developing at the right pace, but they should rest assured there are people out there who know the best ways to keep children well-rested.
Research carried out by child psychologists Dr Benjamin Spock, T Berry Braselton, Kristina Murrin, Dr Paul Martin, Dr Jerry Wyckoff and Barbara Unell and published in the Deccan Herald has highlighted some simple tips that can help young
children to nod off to
bed with minimal fuss and bother.
"Children who get sufficient amounts of sleep every night function better throughout the day - they are more alert and their concentration, performance and memory power are better than those who do not get enough sleep," the study noted.
Tips offered by the study include creating a safe and calming environment in which to rest, as well as placing a positive emphasis on getting enough sleep.
Furthermore, parents need to understand their child's body clock and realise that their sleep patterns will change over time. It is therefore important to build up a routine to help children realise themselves when it is time for rest.
Finally, parents must understand their child's temperament, as this can play a key part in getting a good night's sleep. Indeed, children come in all shapes and sizes and therefore tailoring a routine and sleep pattern to the individual child is extremely important.
Meanwhile, interior design expert Jo Hamilton recently advised families to decorate a child's bedroom in a manner that will stimulate them visually, but which will not overly excite them. She noted that primary shades can be good for very young children, while pastels can be better for older
kids.
"I've done a colour scheme for a children's playroom and I just used colour on the floors and on the walls, [though] you can turn it up as well, using colour on lots of different surfaces," she added.
Posted by Michael Ewing
