Health Tip: Help Ease Separation Anxiety at Night

Health Tip: Help Ease Separation Anxiety at Night

(HealthDay News) — Some children have trouble falling asleep at night because they fear separation from their parents.

The University of Michigan Health System suggests how to help children cope with this issue:

  • Allow your child choices during the bedtime routine, such as the order and type of activities.
  • Set a reasonable bedtime, and a reasonable bedtime routine that precedes it.
  • Establish firm rules (such as don’t get out of bed), and make sure your child understands them.
  • Adjust the morning wake time if your child takes a long time to fall asleep.
  • Talk about the nightly bedtime routine in advance, so kids know what to expect when bedtime comes.