​A Nurture group’s aim is to start where each child is and through unconditional positive regard form strong bonds and attachments to support the social, emotional and behavioural needs of children – I could see how these core qualities relate to the role of a sleep coach and was intrigued about how these can be used as a basis for sensitive and responsive sleep practices.    

As a Relax Kids Coach who works with School age children, showing them relaxation, stretching, breathing and self-esteem techniques, I get asked A LOT about Sleep! I’m not surprised as sleep problems are very common but not always identified. It is reported that about 25% to 40% of all children and young people have some kind of sleep problems during their childhood. The common scenarios are:

Raising kids is a huge responsibility, and in this age of social media and easy access to information about anything and everything, parents are easily overwhelmed with feelings of guilt. As a sleep consultant, I often get Mum's telling me how Dad is feeling totally inadequate, and only Mum will do for settling their child to sleep.    . 

One of the other major contributors to the, “why won't she settle for Dad,” sensation is separation anxiety; that normal but none-the-less challenging part of a child’s life when they start to completely flip their lids whenever Mum’s not around.