For parents, it can feel like “sleeping through the night” is the ultimate milestone. But let’s look a little deeper: sleep is a skill, not just a habit. Just like learning to walk or talk, sleep skills are something children need to develop over time, with love, patience, and gentle guidance.
One of the most common misconceptions is that children need to be perfectly still and quiet to fall asleep. But just like adults, children need a bit of time to wind down and settle themselves. Babies might babble or wiggle, older children might talk or sing. This isn’t them resisting sleep; it’s part of their unique way of settling down. By allowing them space to explore and discover what helps them feel ready for sleep, we’re helping them develop lifelong skills.
Supporting your child’s sleep isn’t about enforcing silence or stillness—it’s about creating a comforting environment where they feel safe to find their way into sleep on their own. With a little guidance and trust, they’ll learn these skills naturally, just as they learn to eat, play, and grow. And by empowering our children to develop these skills, we set them up for a lifetime of restful nights.
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