Putting Children’s Sleep Issues To Bed (NAPSA)}-If your child rarely seems tired when bedtime comes around, he or she might need to go to sleepearlier. Sound counterintuitive? Maybe, but that’s just one of many proven ways Jennifer Waldburger, a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW)andpediatric sleep specialist, says you can deal with children's bedtime issues. “Most young kids should go to bed between 7 and 8 p.m.,” says Waldburger.“If children stay up past then and become overtired, they can produce a hormonecalled cortisol that has a stimulating effect. Once it’s kicked in, theyll act like they dranka potofcoffee.” According to Waldburger, these are some of the most prevalent bedtime challenges and ways to address them: Problem No.1: The Stall Toddlers and preschoolers are notorious for stalling at bedtime. Here’s what you can do: Apollo from the “Pajanimals” helps preschoolers with bedtime issues every evening on the Sprout television channel. Guide kids through a calming, predictable bedtime routine that includes reading or watching an appropriate TV program like “Pajanimals,” a new show produced by The Jim Henson Com- pany and 4Kids Entertainment, * First, rule out any major issues like separation anxiety or fear of a big transition—starting that airs on the 24-hour, preschool TV channel Sprout. It entertains and comforts preschool viewers choices so the child feels more in nal bedtime-themed songs that focus on typicalissues like sleeping through the night and being com- preschool, say—that might explain the behavior. Next, offer lots of pre-bedtime control. Which pajamas does he or she prefer? How many kisses does he or she want? Should the bed- with cuddly puppets singing origi- fortable with the lights out. Wald- burger, along with fellow sleep spe- room door be open or closed? It might also help to offer a stuffed cialist Jill Spivack, LCSW, served as consultants on the show. Problem No. 3: Monsters left. the room. scary character can keep kids Even with an early enough bedtime, young kids have energy that monsters aren't real and that * Structure someactive, after- ways to “protect them,” such as animal to cuddle with after you've Problem No. 2: A“Second Wind” An imagined monster or other awake. Here’s what you can do: Be supportive. Tell children that often seems to kick in later in the day. Here’s how to channelit: they're always safe in their room. *Don't accidentally reinforce their beliefs by setting up pretend dinner playtimebefore their bath— “force fields” or “monster spray.” chasingortickling, for instance—to help them blow off any extra steam. For more information, visit www.SproutOnline.com.
