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.

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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? 

What to do if baby hits their head

Image source: Microsoft

At some point all kids fall and hit their head... all kids do. This is especially the case with toddlers who are eager to use their new walking and climbing skills. 

In most cases, a bump to the head won't require more than some hugs and kisses and maybe a bit of ice. You will however want to keep a close eye on them just in case.

It's time to call your Doctor if:

1. The child loses consciousness... even if only for a few seconds. It's best to get them checked.
2. There's a lot of bleeding. They might need stitches.
3. They vomit.
4. They become overly sleepy. Whilst it's common to be a bit groggy if they are hard to wake up or don't recharge properly after a nap it's better to get them checked.
5. They become inconsolable. This might mean that the pain is severe and therefore best to see the Doctor.

When a child hits their head it's always a worry but in most cases it's just a bump and they soon forget about it. As always though, if you have even the smallest doubt it's best to get them checked out.

Have you got a story to tell about when you child bumped their head? Share your experiences here in the comments section.

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."

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.

Research Shows Teens Benefit From Spending Time with their Parents

Parents are often under the misconception that as their kids grow into adolescents, they'll no longer want to spend time with them. But, there's a new study that was published in the August edition of Child Development that contradicts that way of thinking.

The study suggests that teens do avoid spending time with their friends and parents at the same time. However, their craving for spending private time with their parents can actually increase during their teenage years. It also suggests that this one-on-one parent-teen time may actually help to raise the social confidence and self-esteem of teens, especially those who spend private time with their dads.

According to Penn State University professor, Susan McHale, it is common thinking that adolescence breaks the bonds between parents and teens. The study's co-author says that in fact, adolescence can bring them closer as the teens becomes more interested in communicative relationships and abstract thinking.

Image via Flickr.com

Benefits of Backpacking with Teens

There are numerous benefits that come with backpacking with your teen. The surroundings provide a way for you to have each other’s undivided attention. Backpacking with your teenager is a good way to spend quality time together, talking openly and freely. You can open the doors to deep discussions by talking about all the wonderful things you see on your hike together.

Just think about it. There are no distractions from social networking, TV, phone calls or text messaging. That alone is a plus when it comes to teens of today. There's just you, your teenager, the wilderness, the fresh air, plants, birds, wildlife, amazing scenery, peace and quiet. Of course, in the beginning you teenager may complain about being away from their friends and favorite digital gadgets. But, backpacking will soon heighten your teen's senses, leaving their thoughts about Facebook and ooVoo behind.

Backpacking can provide a learning experience for both of you. Before you set out on your adventure, buy a couple of pocket-sized books to take with you. Every time you spot an extraordinary bird or unfamiliar plant, try to find them in your books. You'll both enjoy exploring and learning about your newly discovered wildlife and plants, learning about them together, as a team.

Backpacking Boosts Parent-Teen Relationships

You'll soon find your teenager opening up to you about all sorts of topics: friends, schools, peer pressure, issues at home or anything else she/he may be curious about. It will happen so naturally, your young adult won't even notice opening up to you, the parent of all people. As the study above shows, spending private time with your teenager is a wonderful gift. Backpacking is great way to do this because you're both away from the day-to-day distractions and obligations that can soak up your time away from each other.

Another benefit, which is also a great lesson for your teen, is the exercise you'll get backpacking. Whether you take a weekend backpacking trip, or just go out for a couple of hours, you'll still get a good workout in at the end of the day. Everyone can benefit from getting exercise. But, by taking a backpacking adventure with your teen, you'll be leading by example. It's very important to show teenagers how fulfilling this healthy practice can be regularly. It can even lead to your soon-to-be adult planning regular workouts with you at home or around your neighborhood.

Guest post by Kiesha Joseph

Kiesha Joseph is a content writing expert for The Family Compass. The Family Compass provides parents with information on family life and parenting issues. They are the go-to source for disorders, troubled teens, rehab, military schools, and more.

Sources & References

http://consumer.healthday.com/Article.asp?AID=667823

http://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/teen/Pages/Ways-To-Build-Your-Teenagers-Self-Esteem.aspx?nfstatus=401&nftoken=00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000000&nfstatusdescription=ERROR%3a+No+local+token

You Really Can Help Your Baby Have a ‘Happy Baby’ Brain

Image via PublicDomainPictures.net

Neuroscience is definitely in fashion. Hardly a day goes by without a new finding about the amazing human brain being broadcast on TV or in the papers. There are some truly incredible facts that will delight and amaze you -

Your baby grows 250,000 brain cells for each minute of your pregnancy. Yes, that’s right, a quarter of a million specialist brain cells for every 60 seconds that passes!

With that hard to imagine brainpower, it is clear to see that for your baby, the sky’s the limit! He or she has the potential to do and achieve so much in their life. However, it is not the number of brain cells that will determine the person they will become – it is how those cells become connected that is so vital to their development and their future and to them being a happy baby. Brain cells connect as a result of their experiences. These are the experiences and opportunities that we, their parents and carers, will give to them.

That’s an exciting yet daunting thought – so much responsibility for us to have. But just little things you do, really will give your baby the best start in life.

The most important thing of all is to try to understand them! Understand what he or she is telling you when they cry. Learn what they need even before they are born, and at different stages of their development.

Did you know…

·    At birth, your baby behaves instinctively. He or she, knows how to feed, to cry, to sleep and less obviously, to focus on close up things like your face as you feed them.

·    But they also have an incredible instinct to copy your facial expressions. If not too dopey, within minutes of being born, many babies actually are able to copy their parents sticking out their tongue. They are not even aware they are imitating, it is just an inbuilt reflex – try it if you get the chance with your newborn.

·    Continue to play this game during your baby’s the first few weeks. It will help you to get to know each other, they will love it, and gradually they will learn to copy your smile.

·    The more you smile at your baby, the more they will smile at you! The more you and your baby smile, the more happy chemicals (endorphins) are produced in both of your brains. 

·    So you really can help your baby be a Happy Baby!

  

Neuroscience explains so much about why babies behave the way they do, and just as importantly about our own, adult behaviour.

Some people have very strong ideas about what is right or wrong.

They tend to fall into two camps:

·         Parent centred  - introducing strict routines and order day and night.

·         Baby centred - watching for and responding quickly to baby’s cues.

It can be very confusing, and at times overwhelming, as people give you well intentioned but often, conflicting advice. But if you learn to understand your baby, you will naturally develop an approach to parenting that really suits the person you are, your baby and your family.

Just a little knowledge in the right areas will have a huge influence on you and your baby’s lives. It helps you to cope and make confident choices about how you parent, that are right for you; for a happy baby and strong family life.

Find out more about yourself by doing the short quiz in the free taster session of Hand in Hand Learning’s ‘How Babies Learn’ course. Do share your thoughts with us. We’d love to read your comments.

  

Guest post by Sandra Nunes Vaz, a partner in Hand in Hand Learning. She has written and delivered courses to parents about how babies and children learn for over 10 years.  How Babies Learn is now available on-line as a 6 session downloadable course from their website, handinhandlearning.co.uk

When to Talk to Your Kids About the Dangers of Alcohol and Drugs

Every parent should talk to their kids about the dangers of drugs and alcohol. Most parents do not know when to approach the situation though. It's common to feel that if they approach the situation too early, they may be doing more harm than good. On the other hand, they know that approaching the situation too late could result in serious problems. Every situation is different, but the bottom line is that it is essential for every parent to approach the situation eventually. The best way is to base it upon your children’s behavior. Here are four ideas for getting started.

image via PublicDomainPictures.net

Changes in Behavior

As a parent, you should always monitor your kid’s behavior. Of course, a child can change his or her behavior often, and most of the changes are natural. However, if your child has a quick and meaningful change in temperament, manners or habits, it may be time to start talking about drugs. Keep in mind that as kids turn into adolescents, it becomes much harder to understand their behavior, and you shouldn't leap to conclusions. Talk with parents and perhaps even professionals, such as your child's guidance counselor before assuming the worst.

New Friends

Never be afraid to take an active role in your children’s lives. One way to be more involved is to know the friends of your children. If your son or daughter suddenly starts hanging out with new friends, it may be time to sit down and have a talk about drugs and alcohol. Adolescents often start hanging out with a new crowd, and this alone is not a cause for a concern. As a parent, you need to verify that their new friends are not drug or alcohol abusers. The best way to do this is simply ask your kids - they may lie or not even know, but as long as they know your rules & expectations, you've at least met them halfway. They won't like hearing it, but don't let that stop you.

Driving

When your kid starts driving, it's absolutely necessary to have a serious discussion about drugs and alcohol. Once your kid gets a license, they will have more freedom than in the past, so it is vital to make sure they understand the responsibilities of such freedom and privilege. Too many Americans see driving as a right, and it's not - it's a privilege. Remind your child that they must earn it and take the responsibility seriously.

Emotional Upheaval

If your child experiences a loss of a friend of family member, has to move away from friends or perhaps breaks up with a significant other, watch their behavior. You should be proactive in expressing support for them, so that they don't feel that substances are the only way to deal with pain. You do not have to bring up drugs or alcohol abuse specifically, just let your child know that you are there for them.

As a parent, you will know when it is best to approach your child about drugs and alcohol. Remember though, never approach in a condescending or accusatory way. You must be their partner - help guide them along to a better future. By having open, and honest discussions, you are well on your way to preventing the problem from occurring in the first place.

Guest post by Ashley Thomas. Ashley writes about parenting, health & substance abuse at her own website.

5 Healthy Diet Plan tips for Toddlers

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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 

How Parents Can Teach Children to Have a Positive Outlook on Life

Every good parent wants their child to be healthy and happy, but some kids develop a negative attitude when they fail to appreciate all they have. Parents may not realize that they are contributing to their child's negative outlook on life by being negative themselves. Parents who are critical of their child or others are likely setting a bad example without realizing it.

Developing a Positive Outlook

While children are born with certain personality traits, they are highly influenced by their parents' behavior. Children who have negative parents or caregivers may learn to focus on the bad things in life and forget to appreciate the good. Many parents notice the negativity in their child but fail to recognize that they are also negative much of the time. Parents who realize they are contributing to the problem need to learn how to improve their attitude before they can teach their child how to have a positive outlook. It is not easy to turn negative thoughts into positive ones but it is possible, and with plenty of practice, it can become a natural way of life.

Learning To Appreciate the Small Things

A great way to begin thinking positively about life is to begin a gratitude journal. Families can do this activity together. Each day parents and children should write down a list of 10-20 things that they are grateful for experiencing. People can place absolutely anything on their gratitude list including pets that make them smile, pretty flowers, friends, activities, places they see, a funny TV show or tasty treat.

The idea of the gratitude journal is to train the brain to notice the good things in life rather than continually focusing on the bad. By learning how to appreciate life, a person begins to develop a positive attitude. Once a week parents can hold a family meeting where each member shares some of the items on their gratitude list. This will bring the whole family together and remind everyone to appreciate the small things.

Attitude Adjustment for Self-Centered Kids

When a child is so negative that they refuse to participate in family activities, they may need to have an attitude adjustment. Parents can teach a child to appreciate what they have by taking them to volunteer in a soup kitchen. Children who have a sense of entitlement may change their attitude when they realize that there are less fortunate people in the world.

When Negativity Is a Sign of a Deeper Issues

Some children become negative after they have a bad experience. They may feel depressed after losing a loved one or special pet. They me be miserable because their parents are going through a divorce or because they have moved to a new location where they must attend a different school and make new friends. Many kids become negative because they are bullied at school or online. They may be upset because they do not like their appearance or because they are having academic difficulties in school.

How Family Therapy Can Help 

It is essential for parents to find out if there is something bothering their child so they can work to improve the situation. If a child refuses to open up to a parent it is a good idea to find an understanding counselor that can encourage the child to share their feelings.  A counselor can help children who are depressed, angry or stressed. They can also help children with undiagnosed anxiety disorders or learning disabilities to get the help they need. Parents can find out about the benefits of family therapy sessions online at thefamilycompass.com - boarding school advice and counseling website.

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.

Helping Your Baby Sleep

Image via Public Domain Pictures

If you've recently given birth, you've probably already experienced a few sleepless nights. Some babies just don't sleep as well as other babies. Fortunately, getting your newborn to sleep peacefully doesn't require magic. Use this guide to learn some ways to help your child develop good sleeping habits.

1. Establish a Routine – Establishing a bedtime routine can help your child sleep better through both the baby and toddler phase. At first, this routine won't include much more than putting her in pyjamas and placing her in the cot. Over time, your baby will gradually learn to associate sleep with this bedtime routine. You can even start other bedtime habits early on, including reading to your child and giving her a bath.

2. Avoid Stimulation – During the evening and nighttime feedings, avoid too much noise or visual stimulation. Although your child always appreciates hearing you talk to him, it's better to avoid it or at least talk very quietly. Keeping a quiet atmosphere will help your baby calm down and relax. If possible, keep the lights dim during any nighttime feedings.

3. Don't Wait – Some new parents think they can help their child sleep through the night if they keep the baby awake when she's obviously already tired. In many cases, this can backfire and cause your baby to feel unhappy and irritable. You may end up with a baby that refuses to fall asleep at all. Let your baby tell you when she's tired through her body language. If you learn her cues, you'll learn how to respond more quickly to her needs.

4. Settle Down – Help your baby settle down if he's fussy at bedtime. You can hold your baby and sooth him with gentle motions. If your baby frequently falls asleep in your arms, you'll need to learn how to carefully transfer him to his cot. This is easier to do if he's only partially asleep. If he wakes up during the process, gently rub his back and sooth him to sleep. 

5. Know the Averages – It's not uncommon for a baby to sleep over 16 hours a day. However, most babies only sleep in small stretches for a couple of hours at a time. After a few months, your baby won't need many feedings during the night and will probably sleep for five hours at a time. It will take a few more months before your baby can potentially sleep through the night, however.

As a new mother, your child's sleeping habits will be one of the biggest challenges you face through the newborn phase. However, this is a normal part of life with a newborn. With proper encouragement and a good routine, your baby can develop excellent sleeping habits.

Guest post by Ken Myers, an Expert Advisor on multiple household help issues to many Organizations and groups, and is a mentor for other “Mom-preneurs” seeking guidance.  He is a regular contributor of “www.gonannies.com/”.  You can get in touch with him at kmyers.ceo@gmail.com.