Why Won’t My Child Sleep?

A free guide to understanding what may be getting in the way of better sleep, and where to start.

Cover page of a guide titled "Why won't my child sleep?" with options for a 10-minute read, self-assessment, and clearing the next step, and an author at the bottom.
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Most parents who find this guide have already tried a lot. A consistent routine. An earlier bedtime. Cutting out screens. And sleep is still a struggle.

That's because children can have difficulty sleeping for many different reasons, and the same strategy won't work for every child.

Understanding what may be contributing to your child's sleep challenges can help you figure out where to start.

That's what this guide is designed to help you do.

Inside the guide, you'll learn about five common patterns that can contribute to children's sleep challenges, from bedtime resistance and night waking to worries and a brain that has a hard time slowing down at night.

You'll be able to consider which patterns sound most like your child and get a clearer idea of where to start.

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What's Inside

In about 10 minutes, you'll learn about five common patterns that can contribute to sleep challenges, consider which may be relevant for your child, and identify a practical place to start.

No generic list of sleep tips. Instead, the guide helps you think about why your child may be struggling so you can choose strategies more intentionally.

For families of children ages 2–12

Designed for families of children ages 2–12, including children with ADHD, autism, anxiety, and other differences that may affect sleep.

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A woman with blonde hair, wearing a black jacket, leaning on her left hand, smiling. She has pearl earrings, a watch, and a ring. She is sitting next to a stack of books about sleep, parenting, happiness, and self-compassion.

Hi, I'm Tiffany

I'm Tiffany Marrelli, a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) and Certified Behavioral Sleep Practitioner (CBSP) with more than 18 years of experience supporting children and families.

I specialize in helping families better understand children's sleep and behavior and find practical, individualized strategies that fit everyday life.

I work with families of children ages 2–12, including many children with autism, ADHD, and other developmental differences.