For some reason that I *still* can’t understand, we seem to have this romanticized, comical conception of new mothers as stumbling around in a sleep-deprived haze. I’m not saying new mothers aren’t typically sleep-deprived, I just don’t know why we find it so funny, or so acceptable. Now, I’m not trying to suggest that the new dads out there aren’t … Read More
Are you sabotaging your child’s sleep?
No sensible parent would ever knowingly prevent their little one from getting a good night’s sleep, right? Well, I suppose there are always some crazies out there, but generally speaking, no. In all my years of dealing with the families of sleep-challenged kids, I’ve never met anyone who admitted to sneaking into their little one’s room in the middle of … Read More
When Should a Toddler Give Up Their Nap?
Although I wish we could all take daytime naps throughout our lives, there comes a point where your little one will be ready to go through a full day without having a snooze. How do you know when they’ve reached that milestone, and how do you implement the change? I’ve got some great tips for you in today’s video. … Read More
How Sleep Affects Your Child’s Behavior
I saw a great little coffee mug on Amazon the other day, with three little lines drawn along the side. Underneath the top one, it said, “Silence!” Under the middle one, “Not yet…” And under the one right near the bottom, it read, “Now you may speak.” Cute, right? As grown ups, we find it amusing how we’re so grumpy … Read More
Who’s in Charge Around Here?
“Would you do me a favor and brush your teeth, honey?” I recently heard a friend of mine asking her daughter that very question. Would you do me a favor and brush your teeth? Clearly, her and I have very different views on what constitutes a “favor.” A few days later, I heard a man in a restaurant asking his … Read More
Creating the Perfect Bedtime Routine
It’s tough to get excited about a routine. The word itself has pretty much become synonymous with boredom, predictability and banality, and for good reason. Falling into a rut is one of the major fears people have when they get married and have kids. I agree. Nobody wants to get caught in that humdrum, repetitive life when nothing comes as … Read More
Five Signs Your Baby is Ready to Sleep Through the Night
“Babies aren’t designed to sleep through the night.” If I had a dime for every time I’ve seen that posted on my Facebook page, I’d be able to retire to an island in Monaco. I wouldn’t, mind you, because helping families find solutions to their sleep problems is more than a financial pursuit for me. I get more fulfillment from … Read More
Identifying a Sleep Debt
If you’re not familiar with the term, a sleep debt is the cumulative effect caused by going multiple nights without enough sleep, and it’s aptly named, because it’s got to be repaid. Today, I’m going over the telltale signs that will help you identify if your little one is currently in arrears. If your baby, infant or toddler is having … Read More
Recognizing Your Child’s Sleep Signals
It’s an amazing milestone when your baby first learns to speak. The ability to communicate verbally with your child is a joy and a relief that’s almost unparalleled by anything in the first five years of parenthood. (With successful potty training being, quite obviously, a notable contender.) But until that day, you’re still going to need to communicate. Baby’s going … Read More
When Can I Stop Feeding at Night?
It’s a big step for both you and your baby! Giving up the nighttime feeding is one of those early, emotional milestones that can mean a return to sleeping straight through the night, which I’m sure you’re both looking forward to! But how do you know when it’s the right time? If your baby, infant or toddler is having trouble … Read More