There are sure to be some sleeping problems as your child grows through the developmental stages.
This article offers some advice to parents and carers about how best to deal with any problems that arise.
What are the two most common problems and how best to resolve them? 1) The child cannot go to sleep unless you are there - This is often caused by them getting used to your presence before they sleep.
If you are suddenly no there they will feel anxious being alone as it is unusual.
They need to learn to go to sleep by themselves.
The child can overcome their anxiety by gradually decreasing your presence.
First stop getting into bed or on the bed with them, sit by the bed on the floor instead.
Do not have the child facing you but get them to look the other way and close their eyes.
Turn the light off but leave the door open.
Sit in silence with the child, if they attempt to talk to you, just gently say 'sleep' to them.
Each night sit further and further away from the bed until you are sitting outside the open door.
After a few weeks you can sit outside the door but instead of having it open, just leave it open very slightly.
2) The child wakes during the night and cannot get back to sleep - This is OK if it is occasionally but when it becomes a regular pattern it is a problem.
Do not give them any entertainment, food or drink.
Keep the light off.
Talk to them gently and reassure them.
Do not let them get up and move around.
Make sure the child has enough attention before sleeping.
Waking up in the night might be their way of seeking attention.