I’m a child sleep expert and have an easy way to help with separation anxiety at bedtime
DEALING with separation anxiety at bedtime is difficult for children, and parents.
But one child sleep expert has shared an easy way to make night times more bearable for everyone – and all you need is some paper and scissors.
Michelle took to her Goodnight Charley TikTok page to reveal her “tip for toddler separation anxiety at bedtime”, and admitted it had worked a treat for her own daughter Charley.
“Cut out a whole bunch of hearts,” she explained.
“Tell your toddler that you’ll come and check on them in the night, and each time you’ll leave a heart.
“When you say goodnight, give your toddler one of these hearts.
Read more Parenting stories
“Once they are asleep, sneak into their room and place the rest of the hearts in there.”
When your child wakes up in the morning, there will be a bunch of hearts there, which you can count with them.
“Tell them that’s how many times you were in their room to check on them and keep them safe,” she said.
“The goal is to help them feel safe and that they aren’t alone at night.”
Most read in Fabulous
In the caption, Michelle added: “Toddler sleep comes with a whole new set of challenges than baby sleep, and while separation anxiety has some peaks with babies as well, it hits different with toddlers because of increased imagination and the overall realisation of how fun it is to be awake.
“It’s not uncommon at many toddler ages to experience this, but particularly age 3 we see a peak in separation anxiety.
“I have many families come to me saying their child is requesting they stay with them until they fall asleep, have more nightmares, want cuddles in the night, and much more!
“Now, there is nothing wrong with cuddling your child, laying with them, and helping them feel safe.
“I do this with Charley often. BUT why not try other tools to help them feel safe and secure.
“Especially, if this goes on long term and you want to find some ways to get your sleep back!”
Read More on The Sun
She was quickly praised for sharing the tip by other parents in the comments section, with one writing: “Saving this for sure.
“Clever way to let them know they’re safe and loved.”