Get Your Children to Sleep Soundly Using Suggestive Thought
A Real Life Experience
About a month ago, my four-year-old daughter was very restless at nap time. I knew she was tired, but she just could not sit still. Call it normal child restlessness or the urge to avoid sleep at all costs - who knows? Whatever the reason, I knew I had to do something about it.
First, I tried reading her favorite Dr. Seuss book "Fox In Socks", which is generally a nap time favorite. However, after the story was over she was still fidgeting and she also did so throughout the entire story. I wondered what to do next. "Hmm", I thought to myself. I then tried gently massaging her neck and shoulders, which tends to help on days like this. Nothing.
I was forced to think deeper and get more creative. I had it! I lied beside her and whispered softly in her ear "Close your eyes and pretend you're a pretty butterfly flying high in the sky." She smiled. And closed her eyes. Success! It worked. Within mere seconds, she was fast asleep.
Since that day I have used the same technique on all of the children several times, with success. Each time I give them something new to think about. It has become somewhat of a game at this point. Each child eagerly awaits his or her nightly or nap time suggestion with a look of anticipation on each of their innocent little faces. Although it has become a ritual, the looks on their faces are so priceless each time.
I have noticed that since I have been suggestive on what they should think about, they also sleep more soundly. Are these suggestive thoughts being dreamed by them? Are they giving them peace? I can't say for sure, but I know that my kids sleep without tossing and turning and wake rested and cheerful for the day to begin. They also drift off to sleep extra fast, seemingly eager to picture the thoughts in their heads.
For more on children and sleep, please read these two informative articles from AC Content Producer Kelly H:
"Signs Your Child Isn't Getting Enough Sleep"
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/434232/3_signs_your_child_isnt_getting_enough.html
"3 Steps Parents Can Take to Help Their Child Get The Sleep They Need"
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/434248/3_steps_parents_can_take_to_help_their.html
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*This author welcomes discussion and feedback in the comments section below. To read more on parenting and family, simply click on the author's name or avatar picture above this article.
Published by Lyn Lomasi - Featured Contributor in Lifestyle
Lyn's the Community Advocate at Yahoo! Contributor Network. Contact her with community issues & ideas. She's been contributing since 2007 and previously acted as a Community Guide. Read her tips for success... View profile
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41 Comments
Post a CommentAww, thanks Jasmine! I am honored. Hope it helps Katy. LOL about the correction. I definitely understand. ;-)
mind* LOL (you know us writers need to be right)
I need to keep this in mined for my 5 y/o nite owl lol
You are something else Momie.. Going to the boards to nominate you shugg!!!
Thanks you two. :-)
Wonderful and creative :-)
Great article :)
Thanks Susie. Yes, that certainly can turn into a habit for some, Susie. Some parents don't mind, but others do, so it's important to consider that before trying that one out.
Great idea, I am going to try this at night time. My three year old is afraid of monsters at night, apparently she needs different mental images.
Carol, your suggestion does work. However, we now can't get our daughter to sleep without laying down in bed with her, I don't know how we are going to break this habit, I can't go to college with her and lay in her dorm room bed until she is asleep.
Thanks you two. I agree Carol. Great pointer. That particular day, not even that was working. LOL But, it very well could have been a combo of that and the suggestive thought. Hmmm, very interesting. Thanks again for the thoughts Carol.