Sunrise Appearances

October 2003

Key Points as discussed on Sheyne's October 2003 appearance on Sunrise.

Independence in children 12 months+ is an essential element in teaching our children to sleep. When addressing independence issues that relate to our child's sleep time we must first ask our children what it is that we are asking them to do at night that requires their independence.

Items Discussed on the Programme

• "Lie down". Play lie down games during the day using the cue 'lie down' while your playing and role play with dolls and teddies during playtimes.
  
  
• Being independent in finding their own comfort items. Dummies etc. For example: If your child has dummies, when you lay them down encourage them to get it for themselves and develop a cue for this such as 'get your dummy' Provide more than one of this comfort item and place them in a localized area accessible by your child. E.g.: a small pot with 4 or 5 items in it, always kept in the same area.
  
  
• Teach them to recognise settling cues as a closed line of communication. You need to be clear and consistent and only use those cues 'lie down', 'get your dummy' etc. Do not use any other language at this time.
  
  
• Help them to be comfortable with you leaving the room. Practice this during the day. For example, when you and your partner are both home. Leave the room frequently, saying 'I'll be back' then casually walk out of the room allowing your partner to encourage the child to stay with them and not follow you. Be confident leaving, don't turn around and come back if they get upset. Then return within a short period of time announcing 'I'm back' and be confident and happy.