Helping Your Child Sleep Better — Gently and Effectively

Sleep difficulties are common in young children, but ongoing problems with falling asleep or staying asleep can affect a child’s mood, behavior, development, and overall family well-being. As a licensed psychologist, I provide evidence-based treatment for behavioral insomnia in infants, toddlers, and preschool-aged children, supporting both children and caregivers in developing healthy, sustainable sleep habits.

What Is Behavioral Insomnia?

Behavioral insomnia refers to sleep difficulties that are learned and maintained by patterns of behavior, rather than caused by medical conditions. In young children, it most often involves:

• Difficulty falling asleep independently

• Frequent night wakings requiring caregiver help

• Bedtime resistance or prolonged bedtime routines

The good news is that because these sleep problems are behavioral, they are highly treatable with the right guidance and support.

Types of Behavioral Insomnia in Young Children

Behavioral insomnia in young children generally falls into two main types. Many children experience features of both.

Sleep-Onset Association Type

Children with sleep-onset association insomnia have learned to fall asleep only under specific conditions, such as:

• Being rocked, fed, or held

• A parent lying with them until they fall asleep

• Falling asleep with a pacifier, bottle, or screen

When children naturally wake during the night, they are unable to return to sleep without those same conditions present. This often results in frequent night wakings and calls for caregiver assistance.

Treatment focuses on helping the child gradually learn to fall asleep independently, using gentle, developmentally appropriate strategies that align with the family’s values.

Limit-Setting Type

Limit-setting insomnia is more common in toddlers and preschool-aged children and is characterized by:

• Resistance or refusal at bedtime

• Repeated requests after bedtime (“one more story,” “one more hug”)

• Prolonged or inconsistent bedtime routines

These difficulties often arise when bedtime limits are unclear, inconsistent, or difficult to maintain. Children may unintentionally delay sleep by testing boundaries, particularly when overtired.

Treatment emphasizes:

• Establishing calm, predictable bedtime routines

• Supporting caregivers with clear and consistent limit-setting

• Reducing bedtime struggles while maintaining a warm, responsive approach

My Treatment Approach

Treatment for behavioral insomnia is collaborative, individualized, and family-centered. I work closely with caregivers to develop a plan that fits the child’s age, temperament, and the family’s routines and preferences.

Comprehensive Sleep Assessment

• Detailed review of sleep patterns, routines, and environment

• Identification of behavioral, emotional, and developmental factors

• Screening for medical or other concerns that may affect sleep

Parent Coaching and Education

• Understanding how sleep develops in young children

• Learning why sleep difficulties persist and how change occurs

• Building confidence in responding to bedtime and night wakings

Evidence-Based Behavioral Strategies

Depending on your child’s needs, treatment may include:

• Creating consistent and calming bedtime routines

• Teaching independent sleep skills

• Gradual or responsive approaches to reducing sleep associations

• Managing bedtime resistance and limit-setting challenges

• Addressing anxiety or emotional factors related to sleep

There is no one-size-fits-all approach. Strategies are tailored to each family, with an emphasis on compassion, flexibility, and effectiveness.

What Parents Can Expect

• Practical, step-by-step guidance

• Ongoing support and troubleshooting

• A non-judgmental, supportive environment

• Attention to both child sleep and caregiver well-being

Many families notice meaningful improvements within a few weeks, along with better daytime behavior, improved mood, and reduced family stress.

Ages Served

• Infants (typically 6 months and older)

• Toddlers

• Preschool-aged children

When to Seek Support

You may benefit from professional support if:

• Sleep difficulties persist despite your efforts

• Bedtime or night wakings cause significant stress

• Sleep problems affect your child’s behavior, mood, or development

• You feel overwhelmed or unsure how to help your child sleep

Early intervention can prevent sleep difficulties from becoming long-term patterns.

Schedule a Consultation

If you’re ready to help your child develop healthy sleep habits, I invite you to schedule a consultation. Together, we can create a sleep plan that supports your child — and your family.