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Finally! A Full Night’s Sleep: Tips to Blissful Nights for You and Your Little Ones

For many adults and children, getting a good night’s sleep can seem impossible due to busy schedules, distractions, and stress. However, there are ways to achieve quality sleep. While some may be skeptical, I have to confess that my 3-year-old and 1-year-old daughters have been sleeping through the night since they were just a few months old, in their own beds. My eldest began sleeping through the night at 2 months old and only had a few sleep regressions that lasted no more than a few weeks. My youngest LOVES to sleep and began sleeping through the night at just 5 weeks old. Luck may play a part, but I also believe that the choices we’ve made in raising them have contributed to our success. 

*Note* my husband and I decided early on that we did not want to practice co-sleeping, and we wanted each girl in their own room from the beginning. We did discuss this with their pediatrician and she was supportive of our decision. 

Benefits of a full night’s sleep for you and your littles:

A good night’s sleep is essential for both adults and children. It boosts the immune system, improves cognitive function, enhances mood, and increases productivity. Quality sleep supports growth and development, improves concentration and memory, and regulates emotions in children. Prioritize a full night’s sleep for a healthier and happier future for the whole family.

Establish a bedtime routine:

Now that we know the benefits of getting a good night’s sleep, let’s explore some practical tips that can help you and your children sleep soundly. One effective strategy is creating a bedtime routine.

Having a consistent routine before bed can signal to our bodies and minds that it’s time to relax and prepare for sleep. Your routine can include activities like taking a warm bath, reading a book or doing relaxation exercises. By doing the same things every night, you can create a sense of security and predictability, making it easier for you and your children to fall asleep.

Remember to tailor your routine to suit your family’s needs and preferences. The goal is to create a calming and soothing atmosphere before bed. By making a bedtime routine a part of your daily habits, you’re on your way to achieving restful nights of uninterrupted sleep.

Here’s our typical bedtime routine: We usually start around 7:30 p.m. with bath time for both girls. After baths, we get them into comfy jammies and all gather in the living room for storytime. Then it’s time to brush teeth and tuck them in bed with lots of snuggles and a few songs before lights out.

The power of a comfortable sleep environment:

Creating a comfortable sleep environment is key to ensuring blissful nights for you and your little ones. Pay attention to the temperature of the room, as a cool and slightly dark space promotes better sleep. Consider investing in a white noise machine to minimize any disruptions from outside. We actually use an old iPod touch with an ambient noise app (this is the one we like).

And if your kids prefer a little bit of light in the room as mine do, consider a nightlight or lamp that lets you customize the color/brightness as much as possible. We like this one:

Fully Customizable Lamp – My Affiliate Link

Decluttering the sleep space is also essential. Clear away any unnecessary items and ensure that the room is a peaceful oasis conducive to relaxation and sleep. This could be as simple as tidying up toys or organizing the space to create a sense of calm. We moved our 1-year-old into our 3-year-old’s bedroom several months ago and turned the old bedroom into their playroom. This strategy has helped us separate playtime from bedtime and maintain a peaceful sleeping area.

By creating a comfortable sleep environment, you are setting the stage for a restful night’s sleep for yourself and your little ones. 

Nourishing sleep with a healthy lifestyle:

In addition to creating a comfortable sleep environment, maintaining a healthy lifestyle can play a significant role in ensuring blissful nights for you and your little ones. By adopting a few simple habits, you can promote better sleep and everyone can wake up feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.

1. Stick to a consistent sleep schedule: Establishing a regular bedtime and wake-up time helps regulate your body’s internal clock. Try to maintain this schedule even on weekends to keep your sleep-wake cycle in sync.

2. Limit caffeine and sugar intake: Consuming excessive amounts of caffeine and sugar throughout the day can disrupt your sleep. Be mindful of your consumption and avoid these substances, especially in the evening.

3. Incorporate exercise into your routine: Regular physical activity has been shown to improve sleep quality. Aim for at least 30 minutes of exercise daily, but avoid intense workouts close to bedtime, as they can energize you too much for sleep. Sometimes taking a short leisurely walk around the neighborhood after dinner can help us all wind down and connect with one another.

4. Disconnect from technology: The blue light emitted by electronic devices can interfere with the production of melatonin, a hormone responsible for regulating sleep. Make it a habit to disconnect from technology at least an hour before bed. Instead, engage in calming activities like reading a book or listening to soft music.

By nourishing your sleep with these healthy habits, you pave the way for peaceful and uninterrupted nights for you and your little ones. Embrace these positive lifestyle changes, and reap the rewards of a well-rested and energized family.

Sweet dreams are within reach!

As we come to the end of this post, I want to leave you with a sense of hope and optimism. Sweet dreams are within reach, and with a few simple adjustments to your bedtime routine, you and your family can experience the joys of well-rested mornings.

Remember that a good night’s sleep is not just a luxury, but an essential part of a healthy and fulfilling life. Make sleep a priority, both for yourself and your little ones. Sweet dreams and brighter mornings await!

Cheers to blissful nights ahead!

The Struggle is Real: My Life as a Working Mom of 2 Toddlers

Working from home with two toddlers is not for the faint of heart. I’m talking about the kind of working from home that involves children, not the kind where you’re out of the house all day.

I’ve been working from home with my kids since they were born (now 3 and 1), but it’s only been in the last six months that I’ve really started to feel like I have it down to a science. And now that I’m at a point where I feel like I can write about it without sounding like an insane person (too late?), I thought it might be helpful to share some of my tips. So grab a cup of coffee (or a glass of wine, no judgment here), and let’s navigate this crazy journey together!

Establish a Dedicated Workspace:

Create a designated workspace that is separate from your living area. This will not only help you stay organized but also create a boundary between work and family life. Consider using baby gates to keep your toddlers out of your workspace during working hours, especially if your kiddos (like mine) have mastered the art of opening doors. Something else you may want to consider if you’re like me and have a lot of calls or meetings during the day: think about getting a really good noise cancelling headset for your workspace. I mean, let’s be honest, kids can be pretty loud sometimes and it’s super distracting. But with one of these headsets, you can tune out all that background noise and really focus on the task at hand. Trust me, it’s worth it! My friend gave me this one for Christmas and I love it!

Set a Realistic Schedule:

Establishing a consistent schedule is crucial for both productivity and child care. Create a routine that includes designated work hours and dedicated time for your toddlers. By setting clear boundaries, you’ll be able to manage expectations and avoid unnecessary interruptions.

Maximize Nap Times:

Nap times are a golden opportunity for focused work. Prioritize important tasks that require your undivided attention during these quieter periods. Use this time to tackle demanding projects or attend virtual meetings without distractions.

Embrace the Power of Technology:

Leverage technology to make your workday more efficient. Utilize project management tools for better organization, video conferencing for team collaboration, and time-tracking apps to help you stay on track. Technology can also serve as an engaging and educational tool for your toddlers while you work. Consider age-appropriate apps or educational videos that can keep them entertained.

My 3-year-old loves the Berenstain Bears© books, and we just discovered they have apps on her new tablet (thanks, Grandma!) with a Read to Me feature. Game changer! 

If you’re looking to reduce screen time though, I strongly suggest trying out a Toniebox. It’s an amazing device that you should definitely check out if you haven’t already heard of it.

Take Advantage of Help:

Not gonna lie, I have a LOT of help. My amazing husband is my true partner in every sense of the word. I’m also incredibly lucky to have the help of both of my parents on a regular basis. We hired my Mom as a nanny when parental leave ended after our oldest daughter was born, and I have absolutely no idea what we would do without her. It’s so important to recognize that you can’t do it all alone. Seek the support of your partner, family, or trusted caregivers whenever possible. Consider coordinating your schedules so that one parent is focused on work while the other is dedicated to the toddlers. Having an extra pair of hands can alleviate some of the pressure and allow you to be more productive.

Prioritize Self-Care:

Remember to take care of yourself amidst the chaos. Take short breaks to stretch, hydrate, and recharge. Engage in activities that help you relax and refresh your mind. A healthy and balanced mindset will not only benefit you but also positively impact your ability to care for your toddlers and effectively complete your work.

In conclusion: working from home with toddlers may seem challenging, but with proper planning and a positive attitude, it can be a rewarding experience. By setting boundaries, sticking to a schedule, utilizing technology, and seeking support, you can achieve a work-life balance while ensuring the well-being of your little ones. Remember, it’s all about finding the right balance and embracing the flexibility that remote work offers.

I hope these tips help you navigate the world of remote work with toddlers in tow. Happy working and parenting!