Sometimes it's hard to get new children to sleep. No matter what the age, even adults sometimes have a difficult time sleeping in a new room, with new sounds and new smells. Here are a few ideas:

1. Disperse aroma therapy in the room. The ones that have helped me are Peace and Calming, Trauma Life and Gently Baby. I’ve used these for all ages and for myself. They help. They help a lot. Don’t just take my word for it. They help. These are all available from Young Living Oils at their website or one of many qualified independent agents. (Or ebay)

2. Massage their feet. Even if they don’t like touch, -many children will allow you to touch their feet. Try allowing them to put the oils on their feet themselves. BE SURE you are allowed to do this. In some states you are NOT allowed to use oils on children without special permission until adoption is finalized!

3. Play music in their room. Light jazz, classical, or one of the many CD’s made specifically to help induce sleep. An interesting one is here: Baby-go-to-Sleep. They have a heart beat on the CD. Even more interesting is they also sell a Doggie version for those out of control, frightened or behaviorialy challenged dogs.

4. Lay down with the child. This works for some, not for others. Once you start it is a hard habit to break!

5. Feed them yogurt or other calcium product. Yep it's true! This will help you sleep.

6. Allow children to take a flashlight into bed. This helps allievate fears.


7. Don't MAKE children actually sleep in a bed. Some children have horror stories of things that have happened TO THEM in bed. It may not feel safe. Allow them to sleep on the floor.

8. Try putting them to bed earlier. A great technique advocated in the book, Healthy Sleep Habits, Happy Child. I've tried it. Didn't work for me, but works for others.

9. A warm bath always feels good, then wrap up in a warm towel, comfy PJ's and clean sheets.

10. Don't worry about it. Let the child (especially older ones) go to their room, close the door, and do what they like. Just make sure they are up at the set hour ready to go! (more on this approach at www.loveandlogic.com)