The Sleepy Consultant

Happy Thanksgiving!
Hope your day is spent with family and friends.
I am thankful for all of you! 😊

Sleep at Disney is either really good or not.
Children are exhausted.
They either fall asleep earlier and immediately, or they cannot falls asleep due to being overly excited and overly tired.

Provide the opportunity for sleep.
Ensure there are nap times.
If your child is exhausted plan an early night.
A quiet evening and an early bedtime.

For me the hardest part is knowing my kiddo is exhausted yet the last ride is the one that I have been wanting to do.
I know I have to leave and get him to bed but the other part of me thinks— can we make it 30 more minutes……
The answer is no as much as I wish it were yes.
There is always next time😊
I remind myself of this over and over.
Last visit we missed flight of Avatar— made it this trip and it was worth the 4 year wait!😁

This was made evident when my son passed out immediately after his shower sitting upright.
So another a few years and I can experience ROR.

Sleep will not be perfect on your trip.
Just ensure that opportunities for sleep are provided.

Happy Mother’s Day to ALL!
Thank you for all you do!

Preparing in every way for your trip to Disney is super important.
Sleep is an item that should be on every parents’ checklist.
Ensuring that you have everything set for your child to sleep well, will make your vacation even more enjoyable!

HI! Just wanted to share some easy ways to get your errands accomplished while maintaining nap time.

To some people the ideas are obvious, however when you are in the thick of things sometimes it is hard to see what is clear to others.

If preserving naps is important to you, you will find a way that works for you.
😴

Sleep coach

When we were at CHOP for a procedure they brought in a Rover— giant bubble tower with LED lights and projectors, it calmed my son instantly. Immediately I was like — where can I get one.
They kindly let me know it costs around 12k.
Ummm no.

I started to look for affordable options. That is when I came across the Sensory Moon.

The Sensory Moon is a bubble tower.
You are able to set the color.
For sleep warm colors are best.
When the bubbles are moving, the tower produces noise similar to white noise.

The bubbles and sound may be too much for sleep, but it is a great way to settle down.
The tower is captivating.
My sons will be jumping on the bed, and I turn on the tower and once they notice it is on they stare and start to settle down.

This might be an option for your kiddos or it may be too stimulating. Just wanted to share for those who may find it to be beneficial. 😊

coach

My intention was not to post a Valentine, but this is so cute.
I love a good play on words.

Hope all your days are filled with love!

Often times as parents we are quick to jump in and help our kiddos out.
We do not let them have the opportunity to show us what they can do.
As a parent it is difficult to decipher when to jump in and when to let your child try on their own.
It is important to let your child try.
It is okay to take small steps.
Maybe wait an extra minute before running in when baby starts to cry.
When you hear babbling in the middle of the night, wait and see if your toddler puts themself back to sleep.
Give your older kiddo an extra few minutes to turn the lights out.
You will never know what your kiddo can do unless you let them try.

coach

Many kiddos love the bath.
It is fun — bubbles, toys, splashing.
The bath may also stimulate your child.
If you notice that your child is getting over stimulated by bath time, it maybe time to change the timing of the bath.

There is no rule that says bath time must be part of the bedtime routine.

Depending on your schedule a few alternatives are:
— After school or daycare before dinner.
— On days when outside play is not available and you are busy or the weather is bad. Have fun with the bath in the middle of the day.
— Right after dinner, giving a small break between getting out of the bath and the bedtime routine.

Noticing what could be interrupting your child’s sleep will make a world of difference. 😴

coach

Preschoolers come up with the most creative ways to protest at bedtime.

The need for more stories, hugs, water, cuddles, the list is endless.

The questions that pop up just as you are shutting the door.
Why is the grass green?
If dinosaurs were not extinct, do you think I could have one as a pet?

A great way to avoid these protests is with a bedtime pass.
You and your child can make the bedtime pass together.
Let your kiddo know that they are able to use their bedtime pass to receive one extra.

Need more incentive.
Create a reward for not using the bedtime pass.
For instance if your child does not use the bedtime pass for 5 nights.
They can go to their favorite playground.
A bike ride with just Mom or Dad (minus any other siblings).
A treat for being well rested.

Have fun with it.🤩

coach

It’s the holiday season ❄️

Sleep disruptions may happen, don’t worry.
Get back on track when you can and all will be well.

Enjoy!

coach

Happy Thanksgiving! I hope this holiday is spent with family and friends, filled with love and laughter! 😊