It goes without saying that most parents understand the importance of spending time with their children. The challenge is that just “being around” isn’t quite enough. There is an important difference between being physically present and being emotionally present.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀I think where most parents struggle in today’s world, when there is little, if any, village of […]
Do you wear a certain type of pyjamas for bed? Turn the lights off? Listen to a podcast? Get under your covers?⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀✨NEWSFLASH ✨⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀You have sleep associations!⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀So why is it that sleep trainers tell parents day in and day out that sleep associations are a bad thing? A crutch? a “bad habit”?⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀Because adults can adequately provide […]
“𝐒𝐥𝐞𝐞𝐩 𝐛𝐞𝐠𝐞𝐭𝐬 𝐬𝐥𝐞𝐞𝐩.”⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀Ever heard this saying? It’s super popular among sleep trainers, who are constantly pushing the notion that all sleep troubles can be solved by getting your child to sleep more, because surely – they are overtired. And for many kids, this 𝘪𝘴 true. Some kids are definitely higher sleep needs children, not just […]
Before I even ask parents to give me the run down on their kids’ sleep schedules, I ask a whole series of questions that allow me to identify whether or not a child is exhibiting red flags for some common underlying issues that impact sleep. One of the most common issues I see with my […]
Let’s start by saying that having a baby who spits up, or even throws up from time to time, is not in and of itself a bad thing. Babies stomachs are more horizontal than adults, they have a more immature digestive system, and their esophagus is shorter than an adult’s, and from time to time, […]
Nurturing your baby does not create bad habits. Full Stop. Nurturing your baby, responding to their needs, and allowing them to rest in your care creates dependency. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀Dependency teaches your child that they can rely on you; that it is safe to grow, to make mistakes, and to learn from those mistakes without any repercussions […]
I’ll warn you in advance that you’re either going to be in total agreement with what I’m about to say, or you’re going to be vehemently against it. But – I’m here to say that just because your paediatrician says it, doesn’t mean it’s true. I have a great deal of respect for all types […]
How often have you heard those in the sleep training industry tout the idea that parents shouldn’t respond to a baby’s cries, because the baby is just “manipulating” them?⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀Has a well meaning grandparent told you that your baby has you “wrapped around their little finger”?⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀I’m here to tell you that this is all BS. Babies […]
This is me with my second, around 3 weeks postpartum. You may be able to tell from the tired eyes and distant stare, I was a total wreck. That sweet little face sleeping on my shoulder was only peaceful when sleeping, and only when being held or propped up. Once he was awake, he cried. […]
These are all things that parents of young kids already know, but I think it’s an important reminder for those who may be a little further removed. I know how easy it is to see things from the other side – that things do get better, they get easier, and that your time as an […]
