Tips for managing a fussy sleeper

Have you got a little champ who is really not keen on going to bed? Big dramas, tantrums and a lot of crying at bed time? Here are a few different strategies you can try out:

* Options - give your little one a range of options about what order they want to do things (before going to bed) such as reading a book, brushing teeth, putting on the jammies, etc. Also ask them to choose a book, etc. It's essentially a distraction technique and is aimed at getting you out of a deadlock situation.

* No sleep - tell your little on that she doesn't HAVE to sleep ... she just needs to have the lights off and stay in her bed. Get some "glow in the dark" stars or animals which can present the perfect reason for switching off the light. Chances are once they are lying on the bed for 15 minutes (trying to stay up) they'll be asleep anyway.

* Wind down activities - engage them in some calming activities such as reading, listening to music / audio books, doing a jigsaw puzzle, drawing, etc.

It's also important to be calm yourself - i.e. if you're worked up about something get some fresh air, do a few sprint runs or do whatever it takes to get rid off the excess energy. The calmer you are the easier it will be for your little one to calm down as well.

A few general things to avoid prior to bed time include: watching TV / DVDs, playing games, giving them foods / snacks that contain significant amounts of sugar.

Happy napping

-Stef