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You are here: Home / Newsletter / 61 Week / Cope with a Toddler who is a Light Sleeper

Cope with a Toddler who is a Light Sleeper

January 10, 2007 by Paul Banas Leave a Comment

While most toddlers learn to fall asleep alone, others wake up frequently and find it difficult to get back to sleep. 


There is no right or wrong way of putting a toddler to sleep. Healthy diet patterns, lots of love and affection, and a stress free life can be positive factors influencing your toddlers’ sleep. The knowledge that they are secure in their room with their parents close by can be comforting to toddlers. At times, they may get up at night and you may have a difficult time trying to put them back to sleep.If this happens occasionally, you can ignore it.  


However, if it is happening frequently you need to ask yourself some questions:



  • Is it a deliberate attempt to sleep with parents?

  • Are they unhappy in some way and trying to attract your attention?

  • Are they watching horror movies or other violent acts on TV before they sleep?

  • Do they have any medical problems (related with breathing) that prevent them from sleeping peacefully?

After you have examined the situation, you may consider taking the following steps to help your light-sleepers:



  • Be firm and explain to them that no amount of drama will give them an opportunity to find their way into your bed. The first few days will be hard on the parent and the child but will work positively.

  • Try to find out if they have problems at pre-school or when you leave them alone with the caretaker or the baby sitter.

  • Check for medical problems with your pediatrician.

  • Give them a ‘transitional object’ like a stuffed toy or a favorite blanket that they can carry to bed.

  • Eliminate any unusual sound disturbance in their room (creaky fans, the air conditioner, heaters etc.)

  • Exercise parental discretion on their TV schedule.

Filed Under: 61 Week

About Paul Banas

Paul Banas is happy married dad of two great kids living in San Francisco. He writes now about kids, new technology and how the two interact for GreatDad.com and for Pregnancy Magazine (pregnancymagazine.com) where he is also the publisher.

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Great Dad Talks

Great Dad Talks is a series of conversations with experts on all aspects of the family adventure. With the perspective that “dads don’t always think like moms,” our mission is to support dad voices and our slightly different approaches to parenting. We’ll try to find solutions to every day challenges like getting kids off the couch and making STEM classes available for both boys and girls. But we’ll also tackle bigger issues when they come. The one main theme will be to support dads in the most important role of their lives that of being a great dad. Connect with us at greatdad.com and watch the video version of these podcasts at YouTube.com/greatdadnews

Decoding Dad’s Mental Load with Zach Watson
byPaul Banas

In this episode of Great Dad Talks, guest Zach Watson dives deep into the often-misunderstood topic of “mental load” in modern partnerships and parenting. Zach, known for his educational and relatable takes on invisible labor in relationships, shares how the mental and emotional workload disproportionately impacts women—often in ways that go unrecognized by men.

Whether you’re struggling with household challenges, feeling disconnected from your partner, or just want to strengthen your role as a dad and partner, this episode is for you. 

Check out Jim’s website at zachthinkshare.com

Visit these links and embark on the path to becoming the best parent you can be:

– GreatDad.com/coaching 

– GreatDad.com/pq 

– Gratitude course: bit.ly/3NMLDNC  

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