sleep - Support for Parents from Action For Children

How do I use a sleep diary with my child?

If your child has disturbed sleep, a sleep diary can help you understand what’s causing difficulties.

What can I do if my young child won’t sleep?

There are some ways you can help your toddler or young child feel calm and sleepy.

How do I settle my baby to sleep?

Most babies need help to get to sleep. Here are tips for settling babies of all ages to sleep.

Where should my baby sleep?

We recommend your baby sleeps in the same room as you for the first six months.

How much sleep does my child need?

How much sleep children need depends on their age. We recommend following these NHS guidelines.

Why has my baby’s sleep routine changed?

It’s natural for your baby’s sleep routine to change from time to time. This is usually nothing to worry about.

When and how should I move my baby out of my bedroom?

As your baby gets older, you might start thinking about moving them out of your bedroom at night.

How can I help my teenager sleep better?

Teenagers tend to get sleepy later than children or adults. Rest is still important, and teenagers need 9-10 hours of sleep.

Why won’t my baby settle?

It’s natural to feel anxious when your baby won’t settle, but it’s worth going through this checklist first.

Activity: getting back to sleep after waking

If your child struggles to get back to sleep, here’s how to help them calm their mind.

What’s a good bedtime routine for children?

A regular, predictable bedtime routine can help children get enough sleep. Try to plan this around an appropriate bedtime.

What can I do if my child has night terrors?

Children who have night terrors may shout, thrash around, or jump out of bed. Here’s how to keep them safe.

How can I help my child’s bedtime fears?

Many children feel scared or worried about going to bed at night. You can help make bedtime easier and calmer.

What can I do if my child has nightmares?

Nightmares can be very upsetting for children. Help them feel safe by acknowledging and comforting their fears.

Coping with night-time feeds

Feeding a baby during the night can be hard at times, but you can take some steps to make it feel easier or find support.

How do I deal with parental burnout?

If you're feeling overwhelmed on a day-to-day basis, you may have parental burnout. Here's how to cope.

How can I support a child with ADHD at home?

Understanding your ADHD child’s behaviour and what they need from you can have a positive effect on your child and family.

How do I help my child deal with exam stress?

Exams can feel overwhelming for children and young people. There are things you can do to help them manage stress.

Does my child have a sensory sensitivity or need?

If your child is sensitive to sound, touch, taste, smell, visuals or movements, they may have a sensory need.

5 benefits of playing outside

Playing outside can support your child's mental health as well as physical and emotional development.

Getting ready for a new school term

Starting school or going back after a break can feel difficult for children and young people. You can help them prepare.

Autism and anxiety

Autistic children may experience anxious feelings more intensely than other children. It is helpful to know the signs of anxiety.

Listening games for toddlers

You can help your child to develop their listening and understanding skills by playing games.

Budgeting for a baby

If you’re expecting a baby or will be the main carer for a baby, there will be a range of costs involved. But there are some ways to save money too.

How can I help my child share their worries with me?

Children or teenagers may struggle to share what’s going on in their life. Let them know they can share anything.

How can I help my child cope with change?

Children don’t always find it easy to understand or express their emotions. You can help them cope with new situations.

How can I manage my teenager’s challenging behaviour?

If your child or teenager is showing challenging behaviour, it can be hard to know what to do.

How can I help my son with his mental health?

Often boys and young men find it hard to express their anxieties in words.

How do I improve my relationship with my teenager?

Your child will go through lots of changes as a teenager. Embrace the change and support them as they grow.

Tips for keeping your family healthy

Ideas to make it easier for you and your family to eat well and stay active.

How can I help my child when someone dies?

Coping with the death of a loved one is hard. You may feel unsure how to support your child through grief.

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What support is there for new parents?

Becoming a parent, either for the first time or again, can be exciting and overwhelming. It’s also a big adjustment.

How will having a baby change my family?

Welcoming a new baby can raise big questions about how your daily life will change.

Activity: create a mindful moment to relax or fall asleep

Here are two guided activities that work well for helping older children and teenagers feel calm and relaxed.

Exam results: supporting your child

GCSE or A Level results can be a challenging time for teenagers. You can help your child to navigate the situation.

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