Tis’ the season of family gatherings, parties, fun traditions, and more. It really is my favorite time of year. For some parents, it’s an extremely stressful time especially if you’re balancing all of the holiday fun while running on empty. Let’s talk about the holidays and your child’s sleep. If your kiddo is not a great sleeper, I can help. If you’ve got the sleep thing down, I’ll share tips on keeping it intact while during this season of joy.
As a child sleep consultant, I often hear from parents who are dealing with one of the most unsettling aspects of childhood sleep—night terrors. Watching your child experience a night terror can be overwhelming, but understanding what these episodes are and learning how to respond can truly be a light in the dark. My hope with this guide is to bring clarity, reassurance, and practical support to help you and your child navigate these challenging moments.
Ah, toddlers—the pint-sized bundles of energy and curiosity that keep us on our toes at all hours. While their antics can be charming and amusing during the day, the lack of quality sleep can turn them into tiny tyrants full of meltdowns and mischief. So, what's the deal with toddlers and sleep, and how does it impact their behavior? Let's discuss.
Bedtime routines are beneficial for babies, kids, and adults. I have a routine that helps me settle my mind and prepare for bed. Here’s what I do: put on pajamas, wash my face, brush my teeth, put a glass of water on my nightstand (which I almost never drink) and layout my earplugs in case my husband snores, arrange my pillows and think about what I’m grateful for as I drift to sleep. The steps of the routine, which happen in the same order each night, help me anticipate going to sleep. The process is equally important for toddlers and big kids. And hey, if you’ve never had a routine for your kiddo, it’s not too late. Start tonight!
The point of sleep training is to teach your baby or child to fall asleep independently at bedtime and for naps. The goal is that they are not relying on anything external (babies 4 months and older) like a pacifier, bouncing, rocking, or a feed to get them to sleep. In short, no, you cannot sleep train and bed share.
