January 25, 2018
For newbie parents (like us) our bedtime routine is a HUGE topic that we have been thinking about for the last four years. Since Ayden was a baby we have had the sleepless nights and fought each day to try and protect our precious sleep. Even as I am typing this out my one year old is screaming in the other room because she is refusing to nap…#momfail. After seeking the advice from other parents and reading blog after blog, I think we still need work but WHEW!! I think we are finally getting there.
First off my son Ayden has the BEST hearing we could ask for. I still remember in the hospital feeling so happy after his hearing test came back positive. How EXCITING, the gift of hearing! The only downside is when he hears something after he lays down for bed he promptly gets up to let us know about it. So, in comes the MOST wonderful, smartest thing known to man ever invented…this sound machine. We have set it to the ocean sound for him and man it works wonders. Now if you come to our home after 7pm you will feel like you have just entered the white sands of Cancun buut…who doesn’t want to feel that everyday?
Another great thing we have learned is a consistent bed time and bedtime routine. Every night around the same time we give the kids a long, warm bath or shower. After that we try to read a book or two (not every day but yes that is the goal). Once the books are done we say our prayers, give lots of hugs and then bed. My one year old usually sleeps from 7pm to 7am which is AHHH-MAAAZZING ! Especially since the first year of her life she wanted to be right next to me at all times. So what this means for me is I get to lay in bed for an hour and read the bible and a business book for 30 minutes until I go get her up. Ayden goes to bed around 8:30pm but will be up before 7 (why God why). The beauty of having a 4 year old though is Daddy can put on a show for him and give him a morning snack until I am up.
Even though my 4 year old begs to watch a show before bed I know it will only stimulate his brain more and more so I try and introduce the idea of reading instead. I know this is not only a good way to get some mommy time in but also it relaxes their brains and prepares them for a good nights rest. I believe hearing the sound of my voice brings a peace and calming atmosphere and they are learning new words, sounds and phrases in the process. Sounds to me like a WIN-WIN!
Sleep is so important for our little ones and for us. If we want to be successful during the day we have to be successful sleepers at night so our bodies and minds can recover. Even though it is a daily struggle…(deep breath, she is quiet now) I know with consistency they will learn to appreciate their sleep just as much as we do!
From our home to yours…hoping tonight is a wonderful night of rest for you and your littles!!
For more helpful links here are some great reads that have helped me in the past! Check it out!
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