SLEEPING ON PURPOSE
Introduction:
I wanted to delve into a topic that's often misunderstood but crucial for understanding your child's sleep patterns: wake windows. Recently, one of my clients raised an insightful question about wake windows and whether they should be considered a natural aspect of child development. Let's explore this topic further to gain a deeper understanding.
The Natural Progression of Wake Windows:
Wake windows, the period of time your child is awake between naps or bedtime, do indeed follow a natural progression as your child grows older. Just like other developmental milestones, such as crawling or walking, wake windows naturally lengthen over time. This progression is part of your child's maturation process and is generally observed in most children.
However, it's essential to recognize that while there's a natural trajectory for wake windows, they also require intentional development, much like any other skill. Consider that wake windows as a muscle that needs to be strengthened through practice and consistency.
An Analogy to Consider:
To better understand the concept of wake windows, let's use an analogy. Imagine someone with a natural talent for playing the piano. While they may possess inherent musical abilities, reaching an elite level of proficiency still requires dedicated practice and effort. Similarly, while wake windows naturally lengthen with age, developing the ability to sustain those wake windows also requires proactive nudging and practice.
The Importance of Proactive Nudging:
Proactively nudging your child's wake windows is essential for helping them reach their full potential in terms of sleep patterns. Just as you wouldn't expect a novice runner to complete a marathon without training, you can't expect your child to handle extended wake windows without gradual preparation.
By gradually extending your child's wake windows each day, you're helping them build the stamina needed to handle longer periods of wakefulness. This process requires patience, consistency, and a keen understanding of your child's individual needs and abilities.
Celebrating Milestones:
It's crucial to celebrate milestones along the way, regardless of whether your child meets expected wake window lengths or not. If your child demonstrates the ability to handle longer wake windows, it's a significant achievement worth acknowledging. On the other hand, if they're struggling to meet expected lengths, that's okay too. It simply means there's an opportunity for growth and development.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, wake windows are indeed a natural aspect of child development, but they also require intentional effort and practice to develop fully. By proactively nudging your child's wake windows each day, you're helping them reach their full potential in terms of sleep patterns. Remember to celebrate the milestones along the way, and don't hesitate to reach out if you have any further questions or concerns about your child's sleep. Take care, and I'll talk to you soon.
Get Your Child to Sleep Through the Night Quickly and Easily Without Fuss, Tears, or Frustration
Sleeping On Purpose
By: Ruth Tai
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