Welcome to Day 4 of the 5-day mini masterclass! Over the past few days, we’ve talked about identifying areas for improvement, setting realistic goals, and staying consistent. Now it’s time to take action and address the barriers that can arise when making changes to your little one’s sleep routine.
Let’s be real—parenting is full of challenges, and sleep changes can be one of the hardest to tackle. Whether it’s resistance from your child, unexpected disruptions, or your own fatigue, these hurdles can feel overwhelming. But with the right approach, you can overcome them and make meaningful progress.
Taking action doesn’t mean diving in headfirst with major changes. Focus on small, manageable steps that feel achievable for you and your child.
Examples:- If bedtime feels chaotic, start by introducing a calming pre-sleep activity, like reading a book or listening to soft music.
- If night wakings are an issue, begin by adjusting your response—wait a minute before intervening to see if your child can resettle on their own.
- Resistance from your child: Your little one may push back against changes, especially if they’re used to a certain routine.
- Disruptions: Holidays, illness, or life events can temporarily derail progress.
- Parental exhaustion: Implementing changes can feel overwhelming when you’re already sleep-deprived.
How to address them:- For resistance: Stay calm and consistent. Reassure your child that the changes are for their benefit and stick with the new routine.
- For disruptions: Be flexible and adjust as needed. Once things settle, return to your routine as quickly as possible.
- For parental exhaustion: Prioritise your own rest where you can. Remember, even small wins are progress, and it’s OK to take it slow.
- What’s the specific issue? (e.g., bedtime battles, frequent night wakings)
- What’s contributing to it? (e.g., overtiredness, overstimulation, hunger, or discomfort)
- What small tweak can I try? (e.g., earlier bedtime, longer wind-down, offering a bedtime snack)
Example: If your toddler is struggling to settle at bedtime, check if their nap schedule needs adjustment or if their wind-down routine could be more calming.
Making changes to your child’s sleep routine can be hard work, and it’s important to celebrate your efforts, even if progress feels slow. Recognise the small wins—whether it’s sticking to a bedtime routine for a week or seeing fewer wake-ups at night.
Reminder: Progress isn’t always linear, but every effort you make is moving you closer to your goals.
Your Task for Today
Take one actionable step toward addressing a specific challenge in your child’s sleep routine. Identify a barrier you’re facing, brainstorm a solution, and give it a try. Remember, small steps lead to big progress over time.
Reflection: What’s one challenge you’ve faced, and what’s your plan to tackle it? Share your experience—I’d love to support you on this journey! 
