Proper sleeping is an inevitable part of a kid's routine. Good sleep is a must for the healthy growth of the child and so the majority of parents try to create a proper sleeping environment for their children. But sometimes the kid's unwillingness to retire to bed on time poses problems.
The intensity of the problem is high with the so called "gifted children." Unlike the other kids of their age, the gifted children often find it difficult to fall asleep and complain to their moms that they are not able to sleep as they are not able to stop thinking.
Gifted children are those "who by nature of outstanding abilities are capable of high performance," according to Brainy Child.
"The term 'outstanding abilities' refers to general intellectual ability, specific academic aptitude, leadership ability, ability in the visual or performing arts, creative thinking, or athletic ability."
Sleep will happen easily to those kids who are very tired after a long day's play and activities. But some gifted children find difficulty in sleeping. Though there are no separate guidelines for a good sleep, following the general tips to an extent can help the gifted children solve their problem.
Elizabeth Pantley, a parent educator and author of six acclaimed books on parenting, provides eight solutions for the sleep related problems in her website. They are:
1. Keep a fixed time for retiring to bed at night and waking up in the morning.
Always put a habit of an early bed time. Following this routine will help children get good sleep for a long time.
2. Try to build the habit of a daily nap
The length and quality of naps affects night sleep and good naps always support a better night sleep.
3. Dim the lights before bed time
The Darkness often increases the release of the body's sleep hormones. Give them a feeling that darkness indicates that it's time to sleep.
4. Build up a steady bedtime routine
Help develop a systematic routine at night with specific time allotted for bathing, brushing etc.
5. Create a comfortable environment to sleep
Make sure that the room temperature is fine, mattress is comfortable, the blankets are warm, and pajamas are comfy. The bedroom altogether should give a welcome feeling.
6. Provide some nice pre-bed snacks
Vitamin deficiencies can affect sleep. Carbohydrates have a calming effect and high protein and sugar containing foods create alertness. Whole wheat toast and cheese, bagel and peanut butter, oatmeal with bananas, Yogurt and low- sugar granola make some nice pre-bed snacks choices.
7. Make sure that your child is getting enough physical activity
Do not allow your kid to watch TV too much. Children with more physical activities fall asleep fast.
8. Develop a story listening habit
A good pre-bed routine that creates sleepiness is always necessary. Stories help kids fall asleep easily.
