An expert on effective parenting, Beth Grosshans is a former child psychologist, practicing in New Jersey and Florida. Beth Grosshans’s book Beyond Time Out urges parents to set a consistent sleep routine, especially for young children. Getting enough sleep is essential for everyone’s health. For instance, a good sleep regimen for toddlers can enhance cognitive and motor skills. In contrast, poor sleep hygiene in early childhood can contribute to serious problems in later years, such as obesity, high blood pressure, depression, and anxiety. Following are some basic suggestions for making sure your young ones get to bed when they need to.
Behavioral Factors Kids should go to bed and wake up at the same time every day, including weekends and holidays. In the last hour before bedtime, parents should prohibit screen use, get the kids into their pajamas, and encourage relaxing activities such as singing a lullaby, reading, coloring, or taking a bath. The old standby of having a stuffed animal is also beneficial, as is darkening the bedroom and avoiding sugar, caffeine, or large meals. Allowing kids to make minor decisions, such as choosing pajamas, gives them a sense of control and can ward off a contest of wills. Environmental Factors The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that babies should sleep in their parents’ room in a crib, bedside sleeper, or bassinet. They should never sleep in the parents’ bed. This increases the risk of sudden infant death syndrome. Babies should sleep on their back under a tightly fit sheet with no other objects around them. It’s best for them to wear a onesie or a sleep sack. As children get older, parents should help them transition to the new room. These and other tips should help children stay happy and alert during waking hours. However, if children still having trouble falling or staying asleep, even after following good sleep hygiene, then consider visiting a doctor.
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8/20/2023 10:46:25 pm
When your child comes to counseling, your therapist will meet with one or more parents, gather history, and determine needed changes. Then we will meet with the child to determine if they are experiencing depression, anxiety, or other disorders such as post-traumatic stress, assess their functioning and needs. Depending on the child's age and level of development, your therapist will develop a treatment plan that will include talk therapy, play therapy techniques, art therapy, or other modalities as needed.
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AuthorExperienced Psychologist Beth Grosshans Lectures on Child Development Archives
January 2020
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