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Is your child too BUSY??????
As parents, it is our job to set boundaries with all of our kid’s activities. So, your child may want to take gymnastics, soccer, ballet, guitar, piano and ice-skating. It is Ok for kids to WANT to do everything. We need to remember that they may want, but they do not need! It is our job a to help guide them, and this begins with setting realistic boundaries. |
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When kids have free time it allows them time think, use imagination, use private speech, and learn how to self regulate. Most of the activities that kids spend their time on are TV, video games and lessons. None of these activities promote self-regulation. Each day time should be spent turning off the electronics and letting your kids - of any age find something to do independently. Studies show that less free time decreases kids ability to practice policing themselves in many important ways.
Is it possible, that in the rush to give kids every advantage to protect them, to stimulate them, to enrich them, our rushed culture has compromised one of the activities that helps children the most?
Some information from NPR Your Health: Old-fashioned Play Builds Serious sills
Sleep Secrets…
Tips for teaching your baby how to sleep
Having a newborn in the house – whether it is your first or your fifth – is an all-consuming and chaotic experience. All routines immediately disappear and somehow the new addition suddenly becomes “in charge.”
Sleep Secrets. …shhhhhhh…
- Newborns need and like to be swaddled snugly for the first few weeks. *Always place your baby on her back to sleep. *Feed and burp her before bed.
- Keep the newborns sleep environment cool quiet and dark.
- Begin a nighttime routine in the first few weeks. At bedtime, dim the lights, give baby a sponge bath, feed and change.
- Lay you’re baby AWAKE in her crib. Turn on a calm lullaby toy that plays for only one minute or so. Black and white toys that attach to the crib are enjoyable for newborn babies to gaze at.
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Babies need to eat and nap every few hours in the first months of life.
Important Secret: The same short lullaby should be played each time your baby is put to sleep. She will soon begin to associate that sound with relaxation and sleep.
What if your baby cries?
- Let her cry for 2-5 minutes, she may put herself to sleep.
- Babies cry when they are tired or over stimulated. Letting them cry helps them relieve stress and fall asleep independently.
- It is OK to let your baby cry herself to sleep as long as her needs are met. You are teaching her that when it’s dark and quiet it is sleep time, not play time.
Why babies cry…
is your baby…
- Hungry?
- Wet?
- Tired?
- Uncomfortable?
- In Pain?
- Needing to be burped?
- Wanting to be held? Remember wanting to be held is not a baby need at bed time. It is a parent need.
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What if your baby is still crying??????
Teaching your baby to nap well and sleep through the night will take time and patience.
Learn More Secrets on our website…..
Yawning + eye rubbing + fussiness = naptime
Brief sleep cycle + Whimpering + Crying = Baby is not ready to wake. Let her fall back to sleep on her own.
Long sleep cycle + Cooing happily = a happy well rested baby.
Remember…
It is your job to teach your baby the skills to soothe herself and fall asleep independently. You are teaching her a lifelong important skill.
The AAP does not recommend letting babies co-sleep. |
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