Potty Like a Rock Star!

Source: Pinterest

Potty training is a torture for most parents. I hate it. I do however look forward to not having to change nappies any more.

With my first son it was pretty painless. Only a couple of accidents in the first few days and by the end of the week he was nappy free. My nearly two year old is a whole different story though...

With the warm weather finally here the time has come to break the the potty in. Silly me thought that second time round things would go smoothly and be pretty hassle free- WRONG! So far the tally is floor about 20, potty 0. The statistics are clearly not in our favour.

I think the biggest problem is that my youngest has the type of character that can't be still for too long. He's always on the move and loves nothing more than to run around and climb on things. My first born has always had a quieter character and enjoyed reading, colouring, puzzles and other tame games. Needless to say it was much easier to get him to sit still on a potty than it is for my youngest.

I've put potty training on hold as he currently has a tummy bug (not good timing to get rid of nappies). I'm using this time out to regroup and come up with a better plan of action.

I came across this post by Vanessa Brandy about a Potty Training Survival Kit and thought the idea was quite good. I'm printing off the progress chart and certificate (his big brother has a few certificates and so that might help motivate him as he loves to copy his big brother). I will most definitely be stocking up on chocolate and probably get in a bottle of wine to help my stress levels too ;)

I've also decided that our rugs will be packed away until he is potty trained. It's enough hassle having to disinfect the floor numerous times a day, rugs are just too much work.

How long did it take you to potty train your child? What strategies worked well for you?

I'm open to all suggestions and will be reporting back on our progress to let you know what got us using the potty like a rock star!

Tips for your Perfect Family Vacation at your Fingertips

When you think of summer vacations you probably envision fun-filled, carefree days in the sun. But even a few minor problems can quickly take the joy out of traveling, especially when children are involved. Follow these tips to be well prepared and make sure you get the most out of your time away.

Image Source

1. Make a list! This basic advice is surprisingly effective and easy to overlook. Start your list a few weeks before your trip and include both tasks to complete as well as items to bring. If you have to buy anything, do it as early as possible to avoid last minute problems. Don't forget to stop the mail and find a neighbor to water your plants or care for your pets. If you have a smart phone, this Packing Pro app will help you stay organized.

2. If you're still deciding on a destination, look for a resort with a family focus. Many resorts are geared toward those of us with children, and they often offer the best opportunities for ensuring that kids and adults have a great time. They plan age-appropriate activities for children so you can have some worry-free time to yourself. There are a variety of options to look for when choosing your next vacation destination.  Many family friendly resorts offer activities such as water sports, golf, skiing and horseback riding.  When my family went to Hawaii, we chose to stay in one of Honolulu’s best hotels that also had an onsite zoo and wading pool for our little ones!

3. If you are traveling with a baby, consider a portable crib. Portable cribs are safe, convenient and comfortable for your smallest one. They can be used on vacation or even on quick trips to Grandmas house.  Providing your baby with a familiar and safe place to sleep will make both of you feel much more comfortable in your new environment.

4. Plan ahead for airport security. Make sure you and your children have shoes that are easy to take on and off. Remember to put all carry-on liquids in travel size containers in a quart size plastic bag. If you can't fit everything in, just bring the basics like toothpaste and sunscreen. Bring non-liquid snacks like granola bars or carrot sticks. If you’re traveling with babies, remember that thankfully the 3-1-1 rule does not apply to formula and baby foods, but you’ll still want to have these items in their own clear plastic bag for screening purposes. 

5. If you’re embarking on a long road trip, try bringing along a few audio books. Audio books are entertaining and can also be educational. Try to pick something that everyone in your family will enjoy. Since they do not take up precious space in a suitcase, feel free to bring a wide selection. You can even rent them from your local library for free!

After following these suggestions, relax and remember to enjoy your trip!

By Kendra Thornton: Travel advocate, TV spokesperson, PR businesswoman, proud wife and mama of 3. I am a long time travel expert who has been packing my bags and traveling the world since I was 3 months old! I've found my utmost desire in life is right here in my own home. I have taken my excitement for travel and brought it to you with some of my favorite travel tips and tricks. Enjoy!

Kendra Thornton

Visiting a New School

Image source: Microsoft

Although my son won't be starting his new school until September, when the new term starts, it's the hot topic in our house at the moment. He'll be finished with pre-school at the end of this month and going on to his first year in "big school". 

This week we were invited to a meeting at the new school so we could meet the teachers and be given a bit of information about what to expect when term starts. 

Each parent was given a photocopy of a list of materials each child will need. I have to say I was relieved they made a copy for us to take away as I always worry that I've forgotten something if I have to remember it all myself. 

The first thing that hit me was how long the list was. It really hit home that my "little baby" is growing up.  A different coloured workbook for each subject, a diary for notes from the teacher, homework, etc..., it was at this point that I looked up and took in the room. A real classroom with a whiteboard up front by the teachers desk. No more play areas with sandpits or toy castles. The children's work pinned to the walls was much more involved than the colouring I was used to seeing at the pre-school. All this made me realise even more what a big step this is going to be. 

All the teachers were really nice and the children all seemed to feel comfortable being there. It was nice, for us and them, to have the chance to meet the class in advance. I also feel a bit more prepared for what's to come now although I'm still finding it hard to take in that he's growing up so quickly.

How did you prepare your child for big school? Any tips for making it go as smoothly as possible? 

Bullying: What can you do?

Hi gang. Obviously I’m not a first-time mum. But I am a parent. Jo asked me to pop on over and chat about bullying. And I’m prepared to scream from the rafters about my message.

Stuart West

Unfortunately, I’m somewhat of an expert in the field of bullying. As a high-schooler (many years ago! Not telling how many.) I was bullied. I was an overweight kid, not popular, apparently a prime target for bullying. I seriously feared for my safety for three years. I was punched, tripped, ridiculed, beaten, the whole nine yards. It tore me up, but I survived.

Survival. Not something you’d expect a high school kid to worry about. But I did. Many others still do. My grandmother told me “high school years are the best days of your life.” Love you grandma, but you lied.

In the last couple of years, I was witness to my daughter going through bullying in her high school years. It was a different type of bullying, but heart-wrenching, none-the-less. She wasn’t in physical danger, but she was excluded from gatherings, name-called, cybernetically picked on. As a father, it killed me to watch her go through it.

Now, listen up, first-time mums, ‘cause I’m here to help.

Don’t let your child be bullied.

What can you do?

Talk to your child. Communication’s key. Let them know you’re a safe haven.

More importantly, tell them to contact an understanding teacher at school. This is one of the biggest problems. There’s an attitude kids have that they gotta’ have “hallway cred.” They don’t want to “rat” on someone. It’d be uncool. I had that attitude, most kids do. But, it must stop.

Let your children know it’s fine to tell an adult about abhorrent behavior. Let’s let them know it’s okay to tell the truth about bullying idiots. If they don’t, the behavior will continue, an endless cycle.

I’m doing my part. I wrote a book about bullying. It’s a Young Adult paranormal thriller, meant as entertainment. But, the bullying aspects—the ugly, cruel, violent details…they happened. Every bullying incident in the book is true. My friend from high school still doesn’t have the full function of his hand because of an ugly, violent bullying incident.

Read the book, share it with your children, spread the word. http://www.amazon.com/Tex-The-Witch-Boy-ebook/dp/B00B3U5OWU/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1361812773&sr=8-1&keywords=tex+the+witch+boy

And drop me a line if I can help.

By Stuart West. "After working as a graphic and production artist for the last 23 years, the company for which I labored shuttered its doors, finally allowing me the time and mental energy to tackle something that I'm passionate about. 

“Tex, The Witch Boy” is my first novel and the first in a trilogy dealing with topical teen issues. The second book, "Tex And The Gangs Of Suburbia," will be out via MuseItUp Publishing in July.

I'm married to a professor of pharmacy (who greatly appreciates that I now prepare dinner for her) and have a 20 year old daughter, who hasn’t yet decided what to do with her life. But that’s okay…it took me 25 years or longer."

Caking Baking with Kids

I love baking cakes and biscuits and even more when the kids help. Both my 5 year old and my 1 1/2 year old become my little kitchen helpers and have great fun playing chef.

To make life easier we often opt for the simple all-in-one pack jobs. All you need to do is add water, butter and eggs and whisk the whole lot together into a smooth paste.

This week we made gluten free chocolate brownies using "tortino al cioccolato" by pedon easyglut.

Ingredients:

Cake powder (from the packet above)

100ml water

150g butter

3 eggs

How to:

1. Preheat oven at 180°c
2. Break eggs into bowl, add butter and cake powder. 
3. Mix all ingredients together, adding water as you go until you get a smooth paste.
4. Pour paste into cake tin and cook in oven for about 20 minutes.

My eldest helping pour in the cake powder

He loved watching all the ingredients turn into a chocolatey paste 

in the oven

Now I would post a photo of what it turn out like but it got eaten before I could. Needless to say it went down well ;)

How My Daughter Saved My Life After a Cancer Diagnosis

“I saved my mommy’s life.” That is all my seven-year old daughter can say about my cancer. The response is so perfunctory that she says it as if she is saying, “I am hungry.” or “I don’t feel well.” She doesn’t even think twice about saying it now, but most people don’t understand how true her statement really is. She really did save my life, and now, I’ll tell you how.

Before having kids, my husband and I waited seven years. I was 35 and nervous because of my age, but I wanted to try.  I didn’t know how long it would take to get pregnant, but three pregnancy tests later we were pregnant and having a baby! We were so excited! We were also shocked and nervous. 

I couldn’t believe that I was going to be a mother! I look back and think about how quickly I adopted my new mommy role. I remember rubbing my belly and getting excited that our new baby would soon be born. Even though I was excited, I had so many questions. I wondered what type of mom I would be. Would I be a fun mom or a strict mom? Could I even adopt the cool mom role? All I knew was that I wanted to be good mom. 

I had such a smooth pregnancy that I often joke that I could have done it another 10 times, but the delivery was another story. She was breech, and I had to have an emergency C-section. I remember thinking that, “At least, she will have a round head.” That was how I was trying to remain confident and look on the bright side of things. When I first held her, I was so overcome with emotion. 

I knew that I had to do whatever possible to provide her with love. I wanted to make sure she was protected and happy. I thought of ways that I could love her, coach her, and teach her to be the best she can be. My entire life began to revolve around her. I studied her face, held her and even took in her scent. I revelled in the simple moments and never imagined that soon one of life’s storms would be knocking at my door. 

My diagnosis of malignant pleural mesothelioma came three and one-half months after the birth of my daughter. My doctor told me that if I didn’t start treatment immediately that I would only have 15 months to live. I was so thankful for my husband after my diagnosis because I was detached from the situation and in complete shock.  I kept imagining what I would do if I had to leave Cameron and my daughter in the world without me. 

While my mind was racing, I had to listen to the doctor’s treatment options. We immediately made the decision to accept the most drastic form of treatment. The best treatment happened to be in Boston. He is considered to be one of the best in the industry. 

When he began the procedure, he removed my entire left lung, the heart’s lining, and my diaphragm’s lining. This procedure required 18 days of recovery. I also had to spend two weeks in an outpatient facility in Boston. After this, I spent two months recovering at my parent’s house in South Dakota. Lily was also with me during this time. I also prepared for chemotherapy and radiation during this final phase of the treatment. 

 

I made any sacrifices necessary to protect my daughter. My sacrifice during this time was one of the hardest moments of my life. I was away from my baby for a whole month of her life, but she gave me the courage to continue through surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy. 

My journey with mesothelioma was difficult. It is a cancer that kills nearly 95 percent of every person diagnosed. Being a mother gave me the strength to keep fighting cancer. My daughter needed me to keep fighting so that she could grow up with a mommy. Lily couldn’t be more correct when she tells everyone that she saved my life because she truly did.

Find out more about Heather at 

mesothelioma.com/blog/authors/heather

Best Baby Gifts During the First Year

Not sure what kind of gift to give a baby? This infographic gives some nice ideas for baby gifts during the first year.

Source: visual.ly via Visually on Pinterest

Life Lessons That I Have Taught My Parents

No matter how prepared you think you are for the arrival of your new baby,  you will learn a few unexpected life lessons from us little bundles of fun and trouble.

If you thought you knew what unconditional love as before your little one arrives, think again!  When I was born, the first thing I can remember is the overwhelming feeling of love coming from my parents.  My little face and hands were etched on their hearts seconds after I saw the light, then their faces. If I felt and knew that when I was so little, my parents must have felt that one hundred times more.  That's mind boggling!

I don't know how patient you were before your first baby, but you have to learn it fast, as we will test it as soon as we possibly can.  When we are tiny, you have to have patience with us as you learn what our different cries mean and how to soothe us.  Sometimes there will be no particular reason that we cry and we cry for what seems like hours.  Then, we become toddlers and the word “no” becomes both ours and your most used word.  We really do test the patience of the most calmest of people.

Your toddler will help you perfect the art of bribery (I mean compromise).  When I am not getting my own way, my parents will often tell me that if I behave or stop crying I will get some bacon crisps, or go to the park, or feed ducks or one of my other favorite things and this will stop me and usually results on me banging on the front door, waiting to do said promised thing right now.  Is this bribery or compromise? I can't decide.

Before I arrived, my parents loved their lie ins and sleep.  But now they have not had a full nights sleep for more than two years and guess what - they have survived, proof that sleep is overrated. You can operate on half the amount of sleep that you have been previously used to.  What is a lie-in anyway?

I don't know how tidy you were before your baby arrives, but if you are a tidy person we will frustrate you and if you are a messy person we will frustrate you!  My Mom falls under the messy category and I drive her mad, insisting that any spillages are dealt with straight away, that every minute speck of dust is picked up from the floor (I make her pick it up as I don't like the hoover).  I also enjoy helping with the dishes and sorting out washing for the washing machine, which makes these more regular occurrences.  I also am known as the Hazel hurricane as I don't mind my toys, clothes or contents of the kitchen cupboard being all over the floor, so I am nightmare for Mom and Dad (Dad is the tidy person).

Lastly, as your little one learns about new things, you will be delighted at the simple pleasures that make them smile, whether it be tearing a piece of paper (I particularly like bills), Daddy making his foot bark, throwing stones into a stream or just being cuddled (to name a few).  It will be these times that form some of the greatest and happiest memories.

Hazel Nutt is a baby blogger who loves to share her take on the world through words and art.  She writes funny posts that should tickle the humor buds of most parents.  She particularly likes blogging her toddler opinions and advice on how to train parents, to ensure that other toddlers can also wrap their parents around their little fingers!  Find Hazel and her opinions here.  Please sit back, read and enjoy: http://www.HazelNutt.com 

Hazel Nutt also writes funny picture books.  Her first trilogy is about what squirrels do when people are looking the other way. Why not take a look at http://www.whatsquirrelsdo.com for more information on these delightful little curiosities.

Pregnancy: Week by Week

Pregnant and wondering how your baby is going to develop over the next 9 months? This infographic gives a brief overview of your babies size and the main growth milestones.

Source: visual.ly via Visually on Pinterest

15 Things I Learnt When I Became a Mother

Becoming a mum changes your life in numerous ways. This fun infographic nicely sums up 15 things that you'll learn as a mother.

Source: visual.ly via Visually on Pinterest

Source

What points would you add to this list?

Book feature: Fairy May by Jo Linsdell

As you probably know by now I'm very pro encouraging kids to read. Not just because it's important for their personal growth but also because reading together with your child is good for your relationship with them too. Having those few minutes of quiet time together is good for both of you.

For today's post I'm going to be sharing my latest publication, my new children's picture story book Fairy May.

Book blurb:

Fairy May dreams of one day becoming a tooth fairy but she struggles at school and always seems to get things wrong. With hard work and determination she prepares for her test. Will she realise her dream and become a tooth fairy?

Release Date: 1st February 2013

Product details:

Paperback: 32 pages

Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing

Language: English

ISBN-10: 1481951424

ISBN-13: 978-1481951425

Product Dimensions: 10 x 8 x 0.1 inches

Purchasing links:

Print:

Amazon

Createspace

Kindle:

Amazon

**SPECIAL OFFER**

Exclusive offer for 1st Time Mums readers. Use the code: WPL4YMCT for a 15% discount off orders of Fairy May via CreateSpace.

Video trailer:

5 Healthy Diet Plan tips for Toddlers

Image via PublicDomainPictures.net

Giving healthy food for toddlers is considered very important as they change from infancy to children stage.  It is time of growing, learning and constituting routines. Baby’s eating habits and appetite many change daily, so it is a biggest problem to parents to deal with. Its mothers job to decide what meals and snacks are offered, but at the end toddler will determine how much to eat and whether he wants to eat or not. Many children in the world are diagnosed with overweight, obese or high cholesterol it is essential to worry about their food habits to determine their healthy lifestyle. 

Following are the best healthy diet tips for your toddler.

1. After a good night sleep, your body will be in need of more energy. To start your toddler day fresh give them a nice breakfast containing good amount of carbohydrates such as fruits, yoghurt, cereals, bread, toast, low fat cheese and skimmed milk. 

2. Healthy diet and balanced meal are must for toddler.  You should feed your toddler at certain times only as toddler body is acclimatized to fixed timings.  Be particular in providing two healthy snacks and three meals a day.

3. Combine variety of foods from all food groups.  Toddler may need nearly 6 servings of grains daily such as cracker, bread, cereals and pasta. Vegetables and fruits are also should be part of food groups like cooked or raw vegetables and fruits. To meet the toddler needs you should serve 2 servings of proteins and meats every day. Select different types of protein foods like dry beans, lean meat, peanut butter or eggs.  For toddler brain development and proper growth, you need to serve nearly 3-4 servings of fat every day.

4. Most of toddler drinks too many which results in bad health habits. Toddler body needs at least five cups of liquids daily. Make sure you are giving them enough drinks to quench their thirst. You should detach bottles at around 12 months of age. Arranging them regular cup of meals is a best way to feed the toddler.

5. Serving size is also an important factor to consider. You should feed them in small portions. Don’t follow the “clean the plate” strategy, because in long term it may lead to overeating and cause obesity. Feed with fat free or low fat lunch meats. You can also choose fewer meats like chicken, turkey and veggie dogs. Small pieces of fruits like grapes, strawberries, raisins, apple slices and orange sections and vegetables like cherry tomatoes, carrot sticks, cauliflower florets, raw broccoli and carrot sticks are advised for toddler. These are all high priced commodities. If you fall short of money in buying any of the above items, you can opt for cash loans UK which are easy and instant. 

Author Bio: This is Gracie a Guest blogger from UK. I have written many guest posts on different categories like Home-improvement, Beauty, Health, Technology , Business and finance. At present I am doing research on same day loans. You can find more about me @financeport 

Book Spotlight: The Spy Game by J.D. Holiday

Today I'm spotlighting the new release by author and illustrator J.D. Holiday. If your kids are anything like mine they will enjoy the colourful pictures that accompany this doggy tale.... and no doubt start asking if you can get a pet dog ;)

About the Book

Eddie would love to have a puppy to play with. A puppy would pull on a rope. Catch a ball and lick your face. But his Uncle brings Eddie an older dog named after a famous spy. What can you do with an old dog? It probably couldn't learn new tricks and the only thing this dog did was stare. It's what they find to do together that makes them the best of

friends!

Publisher: Book Garden Publisher, LLC

ISBN: 978-0-98186-144-9

Publication Date: August 2012

Places available for sale: Amazon, B&N

Inspiration Behind The Spy Game

This story is based on a puppy my brother, Ike's dog, Sheeba had. He ask me to take this puppy he named, Sidney Reilly after a spy series he and I watched together and loved.  At the time I had a dog and didn't think my older dog, Snoopy would be happy with a new addition.

My brother said okay, but he felt sure this dog was for me and he kept it with that in mind.

When the puppy was 11 months old, my brother, Ike died of a heart attack and Sidney came to me, I was wrong. Snoopy and Sidney got along in their own way. 

Though this did not happen in real live, in The Spy Game I have my brother bring Sidney to my house to live.  ~J.D. Holiday

About the Author 

J.D. Holiday is the author and illustrator of four children's books. Picture books: JANOOSE THE GOOSE, THE SPY GAME, and Matt Shelley's Halloween Misadventure with Award-winning author, Christy Condoleo, and the chapter book for 6 to 8 year olds, THE GREAT SNOWBALL ESCAPADE. J.D. Holiday is a co-host on It's Story

Time, Gather 'Round with Christy Condoleo on Blog Talk Radio's World Of Ink Network:

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/worldofinknetwork

Mini Interview

What are some of the things that have influenced/inspired your writing?

I think reading great stories was one thing that influenced me. There were books that I said to myself, how I wish I had written that. I think I was also inspired or conditioned, in some way, by watching my dad write his stories. He would type every weekend at our dinning-room table on his manual typewriter all my childhood.

Can you share some writing experiences with us?

I publish my own books using my own publishing company, Book Garden Publishing. After years of submitting to publishers I decide I was my publisher.  Up to that point, though, I had some short stories and a Chapbook published, and had some editors interest in my stories, and I even had an agent for a time, but none of my children's books in print.

Have you ever suffered from writer's block? If yes, how did you cure it?

I would say yes I have, but it was really due to rejections of my stories. I would be down for a while. But, after some time past and I picked up my story again and read it,  it would usually get me back on track again.

Who or what inspires your characters and/or plots?

As I said above, events from my childhood are a great source of stories and characters, though there is a little of me in most of my characters.

How do you see the future of book publishing, both traditional, electronic and print on demand?

I think there will always be books. Maybe it will come down to just the most famous stories, but I can't see books not being on shelves in stores, libraries and in home. Digital books are also here to stay. It is so easy to read on the go where with E-readers.

As for traditional publishers, I think the are already starting to adapt and adding self-publishing printers and print services to their companies.

You can find out more about J.D. Holiday, her books and World of Ink Author/Book Tour at http://tinyurl.com/bzwlprd

Follow J.D. Holiday at

The Book Garden http://www.thebookgarden.net

J.D’s Writers Blog http://jdswritersblog.blogspot.com/

Twitter: @JDHoliday

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JDspage

Facebook Fan: www.facebook.com/BooksByJDHoliday

Publisher Website: http://www.thebookgarden.net

To learn more about the World of Ink Tours visit http://worldofinknetwork.com  

How to Get Sleep With a New Baby

When you have a new child, sleep is hard to come by. Most people worry about how to get the baby to sleep, but the truth is that the baby is going to be just fine with or without sleep. It's you, as the new parent, that is likely to suffer, because you're used to your general sleep routine – a routine that you may not get back for a long time.

Image via PublicDomainPictures.net

But that's okay – it's the nature of having a child. The key is to figure out how to get enough sleep to function and live with less stress, since the stress of raising a child is much easier to deal with when you're fully rested.

What Stands in Your Way

There are generally three things that stand in the way of getting good rest. The first, of course, is the baby. Babies don't sleep according to your schedule and are known to wake you up constantly. The next is stress. Raising a child is stressful, and stress is something that can keep you awake. The third is the association between sleep and waking up. Eventually, many first time parents find that they become so used to being woken up by their baby that they wake up anyway, even when their baby is not making any noise. All three of these are the issues you need to deal with in order to get enough sleep and function.

Sleep Grabbing Tips

It's not easy – but there is no magic pill that is going to suddenly help you sleep perfectly. Instead, consider the following tips:

•    Stop Trying to Sleep Normally – First and foremost, far too many parents try too hard to stick to a normal schedule. Your child does sleep – often, in fact. If you learn to nap and sleep when they do, you'll get at least a fair amount of rest as needed. If you try to stick to your guns and keep a normal schedule, you're going to be disappointed, and potentially lose out on other sleep opportunities.
•   Set Up Sleep Areas – When your baby falls asleep, you have an opportunity to sleep too. Don't waste it. Make sure that any area your baby sleeps has an area right by it that is perfectly comfortable and ready for a nap.
•    Take Turns – If your partner is around, set up sleep stations and take turns for good naps. Sleep stations should be far out of earshot of the crying baby, although having a cell phone nearby is important in case your partner needs you. You'll still have plenty of time together as a couple, and neither of you are going to be at full strength if you stay awake and up together.
•     Break Associations – If you find that you're often waking up without your child doing anything, then you need to break those associations. You can do this by taping your child crying and playing it while you are resting away from your baby, until you get a bit more used to the noise. You can also try to integrate a sleep routine, since these will tire your body and prepare you for bed, and only use the sleep routine when your child is resting well. Breaking associations is difficult, but not impossible, and if you sleep away from your child once in a while an association is less likely to take place.
•    Thought Journals – Finally, a great stress relief tool is a thought journal. When stress keeps you awake, using a thought journal allows you to put those stressful thoughts on paper, so that your mind stops focusing on them and allows you to sleep. It's also a place for you to put stories and other things you're thinking about. Anything that keeps you awake goes in the journal, as a way to make sure that nothing is stressing out your mind and preventing you from sleeping.

None of these are perfect strategies, and ideally you'll need to find your own anxiety help to make sure that you're not letting the stress of raising a child prevent you from living a happy life. But at the very least, these should help you get sleep whenever you can, and reduce the stress you put on yourself to try to get a full night's rest.

Guest post by Ryan Rivera. Ryan knows how easily stress can keep you awake. He writes about anxiety help and relief at www.calmclinic.com.