A healthy life and proper habit formation require an adequate distribution of overall daily activities, which can be viewed as a time of physical activity (of light, moderate or vigorous intensity), sleep and time that a child spends sitting (sedentary time). 

Key points Self-regulation is the ability to understand and manage your own behaviour and reactions. Self-regulation is important for development. For example, it helps children with learning and social skills. Self-regulation develops most in the toddler and preschooler years. It continues to develop into adulthood. Help your child develop self-regulation through talking about feelings and role-modelling.

A routine that includes relaxing time before bed and regular bedtimes and wake times can help your child settle better. Help your child settle for sleep with a sleep environment that’s quiet and dimly lit. Make sure your child has enough food at the right time, sunlight during the day, and no caffeine in the afternoon and evening. See your GP if your child has sleep problems that go on for more than 2-4 weeks or that affect your child’s daily life.

Toddlers need about 12-13 hours of sleep every 24 hours. That’s usually 10-12 hours at night and 1-2 hours during the day. Common toddler sleep problems include having trouble settling to sleep and not wanting to stay in bed at bedtime. A consistent bedtime routine helps toddlers get ready for sleep.

Key points A positive bedtime routine can calm and soothe your child in the 20 minutes or so before bed. A bedtime routine involves doing similar activities in a similar way each night. These activities can include having a bath, brushing teeth and reading. If your child is settling to sleep later than you’d like, start the routine a bit earlier every few days, gradually moving towards your preferred time.

Routines help family life run smoothly and can help with children’s behaviour. You can use routines to help children with regular activities and to plan for demanding times of the day. Talking about routines or involving children in creating them can help children understand and follow routines.

Try our practical tips to encourage the behaviour you want in your child.

Key points: When your child behaves well, give him lots of positive attention. This makes the behaviour more likely in future. Positive attention for behaviour means catching your child being good and praising them. Positive attention also helps your child feel secure and loved. It’s good for your relationship with your child.

Children having tantrums might cry or scream, become aggressive or run away.For young children, tantrums happen when they have trouble with ‘big’ feelings.Older children might have tantrums because they’re still learning to self-regulate.Reduce tantrums by tuning into children and helping them talk about feelings.Behaviour strategies like consequences can help children aged 3-4 years and older.