Description

In this conversation, Patricia Flynn, a perinatal and paediatric occupational therapist and researcher, discusses the importance of sleep for parents and children. She emphasises the need for parents to trust their own instincts and expertise when it comes to their child's sleep. Patricia also highlights the impact of sleep on the parent-child relationship and offers practical strategies for improving sleep. She encourages individualisation and non-judgment when it comes to sleep environments and addresses the concept of sleep regression. Patricia advocates for occupational therapists to take a holistic and occupation-centered approach to sleep support.

Key Takeaways:

• Parents should trust their own instincts and expertise when it comes to their child's sleep.
• Child sleep is inseparable from the parent's sleep, and it is important for parents to prioritise their own sleep as well.
• Sleep environments should be flexible and tailored to the individual needs of the child and family.
• Sleep regression is a normal part of development and should be viewed as progression rather than regression.
• Occupational therapists should take an occupation-centered approach to sleep support, focusing on individualisation and non-judgment.

For more information go to https://knowsleep.org/