Mum says getting kids to sleep all night is ‘not rocket science’ and shares tips

Getting children to sleep through the night "is not rocket science", one mum claims.

Joanna Lovell says she followed advice in books to try to get her son and daughter to sleep.

But she quickly found her own method and has sympathy for new parents now faced with similar dilemmas.

"Parents are told by the experts to deploy consistent bedtimes, bang sugary drinks in the evening and remove toys and electronics from bedrooms – it's not rocket science," she told Hull Live .

"They're so desperate for an answer they seek help from experts who study their children's routines and sleep patterns."

Sleep clinics in the UK are reportedly inundated with parents desperate to get their kids to sleep.

The NHS says one scheme at a clinic in Sheffield has helped boost children's sleep by 2.4 hours a night.

But Joanna, a journalist, said: "When I hear stories of parents co-sleeping with six year olds and staying with them until they fall asleep, or getting up in the night with a nine year old, it does make me wonder why they're doing it.

"I never went in for the favourite teddy or cuddly blanket either – I couldn't be doing with the stress if they forgot it or lost it. When we go away now, if the kids want to take a teddy they choose one from a selection, or they don't bother – it's no big deal.

"I really do believe parents have more control over their children's sleeping habits then they may believe. I appreciate it's not that simple for everyone. Of course this doesn't include when children are ill or if they have a disability or other ongoing problems. I am speaking in general terms."

Joanna's children are now six and eight and, she says, are "very good sleepers".

The mother added: "I might get lynched for saying it, but I believe all children can sleep through and go to bed properly, if the routine is started at a young age.

"Yes, there were hard nights where it would have been easier to let them in my bed, or sleep on their bedroom floor, but I knew it was short term pain for a long term gain."

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