3 Years to 5 Years
For older toddlers sleep issues can be harder. The bedtime resistance is real with a whole different level of behaviour issues and the multiple night wakings are tough getting your head around!
Your child keeps climbing out of bed and coming to your room.
You can’t decide on a consistent settling method
You dont want any siblings disturbed but don’t know how to manage the night wakings
You don’t know how much crying is normal at this age
When your child says they are hungry or wants a glass of water you feel bad saying no
You are attempting potty training but its triggering night wakings and you don’t know where to draw the line with the toilet requests
You don’t really want to bring your child into bed so one of you end up camping out in their bedroom
You think a transition into a big bed will help but you don’t know what’s an appropriate age
You are struggling with early morning wake ups
You are looking for a gentle approach
Sleep issues in this age range are more common then you may think. It’s a big age for a little person. Bedtime anxiety can peak, fear of the dark, nightmares, shadows and monsters become real! From a childs perspective in their little world these things actually exist.
As a qualified and highly trained Psychotherapist my approach to sleep training a child at this age is completely unique.
At this age sometimes an attachment to parents/sleep association can often result in bedtime resistance, trigger multiple night wakings and contribute to early morning wake ups. It’s important to have a consistent and suitable approach.
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Bedtime environment
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Bedroom transition
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Age appropriate bedtime
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Bedtime battles
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Self Settling
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Sleeping through the night
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Separation anxiety
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Food Intake
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Sibling routine
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Fixing Early Morning Wake Up’s
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Any other sleep issues present