Parenting
The Toddler Bedtime Battle: Parenting Tips for Smooth Nights
There are several effective methods for conquering the toddler bedtime struggle. By implementing these methods consistently, you can help your child develop healthy sleep habits and make bedtime a more positive experience for everyone.
Let’s delve into the toddler bedtime struggles I faced with my children, now ages 8 and 13.
Both kids, especially my 8-year-old daughter, have always been night owls. They could easily stay awake without a nap until the crack of dawn… when and if I allow it.
While insomnia may be expected for artists and creatives who tend to be more productive at night, late nights for anyone can lead to issues like overeating, morning crankiness, and a household plagued by sleeplessness. Emphasis on the sleeplessness.
When my son was three, I couldn’t understand why he wasn’t exhausted by his 8:30 pm bedtime. However, even with weekday mornings demanding an early start for daycare drop-off at 6:50 am, getting him to bed and asleep by 8:30 pm seemed like an impossible feat.
There are several methods for conquering the toddler bedtime struggle. Some more effective than others:
- Reading just before bed. This could turn into a marathon of requests to read multiple books, but for most nights, it works like a charm as their eyes get heavier and heavier. A favorite for many families is Goodnight Moon.
- Outdoor Activities – The sun and great outdoors will sometimes help tire them out and help promote better sleep at night. However, vigorous activity may sometimes have the opposite effect and could potentially energize your child. For most folks, this method seemingly works pretty well. During warmer weather, a Water Doodle Mat is a great option, or bring out your child’s inner artist with a Rock Painting Kit.
- Crying it out – Letting them cry it out was the most challenging of them all, as both of my children could seemingly cry for hours (20 minutes could sometimes feel like hours), but this method ultimately helps with sleep training and self soothing.
- Dream Lite/Night Lite – I attempted to use the Raphael Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Dream Lite (apparently no longer being sold), hoping the stars and turtle face might keep my son in bed. Unfortunately, it only resulted in him asking me to lie down with him to gaze at the stars. Very sweet, but not conducive to my plans for productivity after he fell asleep. As for my daughter, she won’t sleep unless she has some sort of night or “party” light on in her bedroom. I’ve even found that color-changing LED lights around the bed can serve as a night light solution. The Rossetta Star Projector is also a popular item for nighttime lighting.
- Limit Screen Time Before Bed: Avoid screens (such as TVs, tablets, and smartphones) at least an hour before bedtime, as the blue light emitted can interfere with the body’s natural sleep-wake cycle.
- Create a Relaxing Environment: Make sure the bedroom is conducive to sleep by keeping it cool, dark, and quiet. Consider using white noise machines or calming music to drown out any disruptive sounds.
- Offer Comfort and Reassurance: If your child is afraid of the dark or has trouble falling asleep alone, offer comfort and reassurance. Consider using nightlights or allowing a favorite stuffed animal like a squishmallow or blanket in bed for added comfort.
- Use Relaxation Techniques: Teach your child relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or visualization to help them unwind and calm their mind before bedtime.
- Be Patient and Persistent: It may take time for children to adjust to a new bedtime routine or overcome sleep difficulties. Be patient and consistent in your approach, and seek professional help if sleep problems persist.
Surprisingly, what worked for my son was simply time. Many toddler bedtime challenges tend to resolve themselves over time. Now, as a teenager, he falls asleep as soon as his head hits the pillow.
As for my daughter, at 8 years old, she still remains a night owl and seems to be my creative, but also more defiant child. These days, eliminating screen time at a certain point in the evening seems to be the most effective solution for her. She also requires a little white noise and rotating party lights that double as night lights for a good night’s rest. In contrast, some folks, like myself, require complete silence (unless it’s ambient music), absolute darkness, and a ceiling fan to get a good night’s sleep.
So what is my final parental “expert” solution for bedtime struggles? Make your child as comfortable as possible, give it time, and figure out what works best for you and your household. By implementing these methods consistently, you can help your child develop healthy sleep habits and make bedtime a more positive experience for everyone. Happy sleeping!
Dating & Relationships
7 Tips for Navigating the Dating World as a Single Mother
It’s completely natural to want to explore new relationships, and it can be a fulfilling journey—both for you and your child(ren). However, it can also be scary. Check out these seven tips for navigating the dating world as a single mother.
Let’s be real, parenthood is not easy and being a single mother is by far one of the toughest jobs out there – especially if the other parent is absent. You’re doing the absolute most— juggling diapers, daycare, work, and trying to keep it all together. You pour your heart and soul into raising your kids, and your focus is always on giving them the best life possible. But what about you? What about your needs, your desires, and your right to companionship and love?It’s completely natural to want to explore new relationships, and it can be a fulfilling journey—both for you and your child(ren). However, it can also be scary putting yourself out there with this new identity. Check out these seven tips for navigating the dating world as a single mother:
1. Own Your Story
If this is new for you, as a single mother, you’ve taken on a powerful role. Always remember that you’re nurturing, strong, and capable of handling anything life throws your way. When you decide to start dating, it’s important to remember that your identity as a mother is a part of who you are, but it doesn’t define you entirely. You’re also an individual with your own interests, passions, and the right to find happiness in love. You’re a dynamic, multifaceted woman with so much to offer. Own it.
2. Be Honest About Your Situation
When you start dating, it’s essential to keep it real from the jump. Let potential partners know early on that you have a child. This doesn’t mean leading with it in your first conversation, but don’t hide it or feel the need to explain yourself either. If someone can’t handle your truth, they’re not the one for you. Honesty sets the foundation for a healthy relationship, so make sure you’re building something real from the start. Doing this helps you gauge who is truly interested in getting to know the real you, and who might not be ready for the complexities that come with dating a single mom.
3. Take Your Time
Don’t let anyone rush you into anything you’re not ready for. Take the time to get to know someone before introducing them to your child. Your child’s well-being is your number one priority, and it’s important to ensure that any potential partner is someone who will respect and contribute positively to your family dynamic. Trust your gut—if it doesn’t feel right, it probably isn’t. Don’t feel pressured to move faster than you’re comfortable with.
4. Set Boundaries
Boundaries is something we all need to enforce. Balancing motherhood and a new relationship can be tricky, but it’s all about setting expectations. It’s crucial to set clear boundaries from the start. Make sure your partner knows when you’re in “mom mode” and when you have time to focus on being present in your relationship. Communicate these boundaries clearly to your partner, so they understand and respect your priorities.
5. Introduce with Intention
When you feel confident about the relationship and it seems stable, you might consider introducing your partner to your child. This step is a big deal, so take it slow and do it on your terms. Prepare your child for the introduction and make it a fun, casual experience. Observe how they interact, and take note of how your partner responds to your child – this will tell you everything you need to know.
6. Don’t Forget About Self-Care
Amidst dating and parenting, don’t lose sight of yourself. It’s easy to get caught up in the needs of others, but self-care is just as important. Take time to recharge, whether it’s a night out with friends, hitting the gym, or just chilling with a good book. Taking care of yourself ensures that you have the energy and positivity to be the best mom and partner you can be.
7. Embrace the Journey
Dating as a single mom may not always be easy, but it’s a journey worth taking. You deserve to find love, happiness, and companionship. Remember to be patient with yourself and others as you navigate this new chapter. Every experience, whether good or challenging, is a step toward finding the love and happiness you deserve.
Being a single mother in the dating world is all about balance and knowing your worth. It’s not always smooth, but you’ve got this. Take your time, protect your peace, and enjoy every moment of this journey. Love is out there, and when the time is right, it’ll find you.
Dating & Relationships
Tackling the To-Do List As a Single Mother
Being a single mom is no easy feat, and the to-do list can feel never-ending. But with a little planning, a lot of support, and a healthy dose of self-compassion, you can tackle it one task at a time.
Tackling the To-Do List as a Single Mom: Eliminate the Frustration and Find Balance in the Chaos
School Drop-Off. Workout. Groceries. Work. Laundry. School Pick-Up. Doctor’s appointment. Help with homework. Clean Up. Bedtime prep. Self-Care.
Sound familiar? Being a single mom means wearing all the hats —nurturer, provider, cook, cleaner, and sometimes, even a coach or cheerleader. It’s a lot to juggle, and the to-do list seems to get longer every day. People might think you just throw on your superwoman cape and somehow it all falls into place. If only, right? The truth is, with a little bit of strategy, it’s possible to keep all the balls in the air without losing your sanity. Here’s how you can tackle your to-do list and find balance in the beautiful chaos of single motherhood.
1. Prioritize Like a Pro
When you’ve got a million things to do, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. The first step is to prioritize. I always start with the non-negotiables—making sure the kids are good and have what they need is top priority. Everything else falls in line after that. Each day, I identify the top three things that absolutely need to get done and focus on those. If I can tackle more, great! If not, I know I’ve handled the most important tasks.
2. Embrace the Power of Routine
Routines are a lifesaver when you’re a single mom. Having a consistent schedule helps you know what to expect, and help keeps the day running smoothly. For most moms, mornings start early as the house preps for school and work. After the school/workday, stick to a predictable routine. This may be homework, extracurricular activities, dinner, bath, and bedtime. Knowing what’s coming next takes some of the stress out of the day and frees up mental space for other things. Even scheduling these tasks as you would a meeting for work on your calendar and setting notifications, can make the day much more efficient.
3. Outsource and Ask for Help
One of the biggest lessons you can learn as a single mom is that you don’t have to do it all by yourself. Whether it’s leaning on family or friends or hiring a service to clean the house once a month, outsourcing some tasks can be a game-changer. It’s okay to ask for help. Remember, it takes a village!
4. Multitask Where It Makes Sense
As a single mom, multitasking is often a must. Combine tasks where you can—like working out while your child plays at the park or brainstorming ideas for your new business while cooking dinner. But not everything should be multitasked. Some moments, like reading a bedtime story with your child or enjoying rare moments of self-care, deserve your full attention.
5. Make Time for You
This one is crucial. With so much on your plate, it’s easy to put yourself last. But self-care isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity. Even if it’s just 15 minutes with a face steamer and your favorite playlist after the kids are asleep, or a quick workout or walk to clear your mind, make sure to carve out a little time each day just for you. When you take care of yourself, you’re better equipped to take care of everything and everyone else.
6. Be Flexible and Forgiving
No matter how well you plan, life with kids is unpredictable. There will be days when nothing goes according to schedule, and that’s okay. Being flexible and forgiving yourself when things don’t get done is key to staying sane. Some days, the laundry can wait, or the groceries get picked up tomorrow instead of today. The world won’t end if everything on the list doesn’t get checked off.
7. Celebrate the Small Wins
At the end of the day, it’s important to recognize and celebrate the small wins. Did you get your child to school on time and without any tears? Did you manage to squeeze in a workout? Did you tackle that one big task at work? These are all victories, and they deserve to be acknowledged. Every step forward is progress, even if it doesn’t always feel like it.
Being a single mom is no easy feat, and the to-do list can feel never-ending. But with a little planning, a lot of support, and a healthy dose of self-compassion, you can tackle it one task at a time. Remember, you’re doing an amazing job—don’t forget to give yourself credit for all that you accomplish each day. Keep going, mama! You’ve got this.
-
Dating & Relationships4 months ago
Tackling the To-Do List As a Single Mother
-
Dating & Relationships4 months ago
7 Tips for Navigating the Dating World as a Single Mother
-
Single Life4 months ago
Dating Yourself: 7 Empowering Ways to Embrace the Joy of Being Single
-
Dating & Relationships4 months ago
4 Benefits of Working Out as a Couple