Raising children with separate sleeping arrangements is also a headache for many parents. In the past, children used to sleep with their parents until they grew up and siblings started sleeping together. Now, many people have their children sleep separately from infancy, some wait until they are 3-4 years old, and some let them sleep with grandparents and have them sleep separately when they grow up.
Sleeping separately helps children develop independence and positive thinking. Sleeping together also helps children and parents feel secure emotionally. However, there are certain times when children should not sleep with their parents, as it can cause inconvenience in daily activities and can lead to very sensitive issues within the family.
Separating children to sleep alone can sometimes be difficult because many children always prefer to sleep with their parents and be cuddled by them.
When is it appropriate for children to sleep alone?
The timing for children to sleep alone depends on the mindset of each parent. Many believe that children should sleep alone early to develop independence. Some are even willing to have their few-month-old children sleep alone in a separate room instead of just a separate bed. However, some parents are not comfortable with that, so they have their children sleep alone at the age of 3-5. Some families separate their children later, around the age of starting elementary school. According to the recommendations of many scientists, the best age to separate children is around 3 years old. Separating children after 6 years old is considered late.
Why is it necessary for children to sleep alone?
Teaching children to sleep alone helps them reduce their dependence, fear, and helps them take the initiative in situations such as waking up in the middle of the night, going to the bathroom, etc. Moreover, sleeping alone teaches children that they are no longer small, that it is time for them to take more control in their own lives, and reduces their dependence on their parents. Teaching children to sleep alone helps them become aware of their age as well.
Children sleeping alone also helps them have a quieter space, allows them to sleep more deeply, and prevents them from being influenced by their parents’ breathing.
Sleeping alone also helps children develop better independence. Especially when you teach your child to sleep alone along with making the bed and cleaning the room. Teaching children to sleep alone is necessary because children at this age already have certain perceptions and understandings, while parents need their own privacy in their married life.
When children grow up, sleeping separately also allows parents to have more privacy. Moreover, it is a psychological rule that boys should not sleep with their mothers and girls should not sleep with their fathers. If children continue to sleep with their parents when they are older, it will affect some psychological factors and even teaching children about gender.
How to easily help children sleep alone
The initial process of training children to sleep alone may be difficult for some parents. Therefore, you should pay attention to:
– Parents need to create a warm and cozy room for their children, hang up family photos or children’s drawings on the wall to create a sense of closeness.
– If the child is afraid of the dark, choose a soft light to help the child get used to it gradually.
– At the beginning, parents should regularly check if the child is sleeping well, if there are any issues, and temporarily avoid locking the door so that the child can easily run to their parents when needed without affecting their psychology.
– Let the child gradually get used to their own room by letting them play there during the day, so that they grow fond of the room, the bed, and the furnishings there.
– Parents can encourage children to participate in the process of arranging their own bedroom, allowing them to choose their own bed and decorations according to their preferences. This can give children a sense of ownership and control over their environment, helping to reduce any anxieties in children. Children over the age of 3 can choose their favorite stuffed animal to bring to their bed. For younger children, you should pay attention to the objects on the bed when they sleep, as they may cover their face and make breathing difficult.
