Family Sleep Support
Understanding Childhood Sleep Challenges
Studies show that 20–40% of young children experience sleep difficulties — from bedtime battles and long settling times to night wakings or early rising. These challenges can affect a child’s behaviour, mood, attention, learning, and emotional regulation. Research also indicates that approximately one in four families report insufficient sleep during school and developmental transitions, which can lead to stress for both children and caregivers.
When routines feel overwhelming or inconsistent, families often benefit from guidance rooted in behavioural sleep science, gentle parent coaching, and clear, practical strategies. This service helps you understand why sleep has become difficult and gives you the tools to create predictable, restful nights that support your child’s wellbeing.
Who this service is for:
This service is ideal for families with:
Toddlers (18 months+), preschoolers, and school-aged children
Children with ADHD, anxiety, or neurodivergent needs
Kids experiencing separation anxiety or bedtime fears
Families navigating inconsistent routines or high bedtime stress
Parents who feel they’ve “tried everything” and still feel stuck
Households seeking calm, predictable evenings and improved sleep habits
Common Sleep Challenges I support:
Bedtime resistance, stalling, or long settling times
Frequent or prolonged night wakings
Early morning rising
Difficulty falling asleep independently
Anxiety or fears at bedtime
Nap transitions or scheduling challenges
Emotional dysregulation linked to poor sleep
Challenging behaviour at bedtime (self-injurious behaviour, aggression, elopement)
Sibling bedtime coordination or shared-room challenges
My approach to Family Sleep Support
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This involves a 90-minute (approximate) interview either over the phone or via Zoom. During this interview, we will explore:
Your child’s routines, sleep environment, and developmental history
Daytime behaviours, sensory needs, and emotional patterns
Medical considerations or contributing factors
Parenting values and cultural/lifestyle preferences
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You will collect data on your child’s sleep patterns, and I will analyze for trends and patterns, reinforcing factors, and opportunities for meaningful improvement.
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I will write you a plan that is individualized, clear, and developmentally appropriate. It may include:
Predictable bedtime and daytime routines
Behavioural strategies for settling and night wakings
Strategies for building independence
Separation tolerance strategies
Environmental changes
Emotional regulation and calming routines
Medical support and advocacy
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I support you as you implement the plan and adjust strategies based on progress and needs.
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My goal is to help you understand why strategies work so you can maintain progress long after coaching ends.
Frequently Asked Questions
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My approach is individualized and responsive. I prioritize connection, emotional safety, and family values while applying proven behavioural strategies. I am trained in a variety of interventions to teach independent sleep and I will work with you to find a method that suits your family needs.
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Yes. I have extensive training in providing sleep support for children with autism, anxiety, ADHD and other neurodevelopmental challenges.
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Many families notice changes within the first week; others benefit from gradual progression. We pace the plan based on your child’s needs. While progress is not guaranteed, I will continue to work with you until meaningful changes are observed or other types of support can be arranged.
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Most families reach out after months (or years) of trying every online tip or suggestion. The difference here is a personalized, data-driven plan paired with ongoing coaching and troubleshooting. You won’t be navigating it alone — we adapt together until it works.
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Absolutely. Shared understanding and consistency support success, and virtual sessions make it easy for both caregivers to attend.
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All services are offered virtually, making it easy for families across Ottawa and Canada to receive support from home.
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Coverage varies by provider, but many families receive reimbursement through:
Health Spending Accounts (HSA)
Psychological or Psychotherapy coverage.
I provide detailed receipts for reimbursement.
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In most cases, no. Most childhood sleep challenges are behavioural in nature and do not require a sleep study. However, if there are signs of a possible medical sleep disorder (e.g., loud snoring, gasping, pauses in breathing, significant restlessness, or ongoing daytime fatigue), I may recommend that you speak with your child’s physician about whether a sleep study or medical screening is appropriate.
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No. I do not diagnose medical sleep disorders such as sleep apnea, restless legs syndrome, parasomnias, or circadian rhythm disorders.
My role is to provide behavioural sleep consulting, identify patterns, and help determine whether concerns appear behavioural or may warrant medical evaluation.If a potential sleep disorder is suspected, I will always recommend follow-up with your child’s family physician, paediatrician, or a sleep doctor, in alignment with provincial medical guidelines.