Parent Wellbeing
You are the emotional anchor your child looks to at bedtime. Anchors need support too.
"Bedtime often becomes a time of anticipatory dread for parents — 'Here we go again; this will be a battle' — and children pick up that anxiety through tone of voice, body language, and facial expression. You are not failing; you are tired."
Building Consistency (Not Perfection)
Introduce one new strategy this week, use it daily, and note what happens
Add a second small change next week if you have the capacity
Review after a month which shifts truly helped, and keep those
Consistency does not mean perfection — it means returning to simple routines most nights
Looking After Yourself
If your own sleep, mood, or physical health are suffering, please reach out:
Talk to Your GP
About your sleep and mental health as well as your child's. Your wellbeing matters for the whole family.
Connect With Other Parents
Find others who understand what it's like to face the night with a child who just cannot switch off.
Seek Professional Resources
Look for local or national sleep and neurodiversity charities that offer parent-friendly resources and courses.
About the Authors
Keith Jonas Dinauto
Paediatric Occupational Therapist with nearly a decade of experience in sensory integration, child development, and neurodiversity. Based in Abu Dhabi, supporting children with autism, ADHD, cerebral palsy, and motor planning challenges.
Dr Inyang Takon
Neurodevelopmental Paediatrician and host of the Early Intervention Matters podcast. Dedicated to sharing practical, evidence-informed guidance with families raising neurodivergent children.
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