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Why I Fight For My Children’s Sleep

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Getting a baby to sleep through the night seems to be a challenge most mothers face. We want our kids to sleep well so that we can get some much-needed rest. However, that sleep doesn’t happen naturally in most cases. A child or baby that sleeps well takes some work.
I worked hard to get my kids to be good sleepers. My kids have naps as often as possible and my kids sleep in their own beds. I fought for them to get to bed at good times. Here are a few of the reasons why I’ve fought so hard for my kid’s sleep.

Sleep helps my kids to be happier.

We all are nicer and happier when we’re well rested. A few weeks ago, I had several nights in a row where my husband was snoring really loud. It kept me from sleeping well. After several nights of being woken up multiple times, I was a mess. I was angry at my family and grumpy almost all of the time. My lack of sleep affected my happiness.

I think the same thing is true for our kids. If our kids are lacking sleep, they’re not going to be as happy. They’re going to be grumpy and hard to deal with. I want my kids to be happier, so I fight for their sleep.

Sleep helps them to be focused

When we get enough sleep, we’re better able to focus. If I’m really tired, I can’t remember or learn things. I’m just fighting with all my might to stay awake. I think kids are the same way. If they’re tired and not getting lots of sleep at night, they’re going to have a hard time focusing and learning new skills. When kids are young, they’re growing and learning at the most rapid pace of their lives. Sleep helps them be focused so they can learn new skills better.

Sleep helps me as mom to be happier

When my kids are happy and well rested it makes my job easier. My kids are much more willing to obey and be kind when they’re not exhausted. Also, their early bedtimes and great night sleep helps me get tasks around the house done. I’m a lot happier when my kids are well rested.

Sleep is important for babies and kids. However, as parents, we often don’t want to make the sacrifices to make it happen. We don’t want to go home from a fun gathering early so our kids can get in bed. We don’t want to stop running errands so that our kids can get naps at home. It takes work and sacrifice to have kids that sleep well. In my opinion, that sacrifice is worth it. I love having kids who have are easy to deal with and who can focus and learn well. These things help me as a mom be happier and less stressed.

Here are a few of the products I loved using to get my kids to sleep well when they were babies.

**This post contains affiliate links. I receive a small commission at no cost to you when you make a purchase using my link.

 

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3 Proven Phrases to Prevent Mealtime Battles

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Is mealtime often filled with fits, temper tantrums, and battles as you try to get your kids to come to the table?

If so, you’re not alone. In my house, getting my kids to the table to eat can be a chore. Our mealtime battle often plays out like this: My toddler tells me how hungry he is. A few minutes later when dinner is ready, he proceeds to throw a fit when I ask him to come to the table. By this time, he’s gotten engrossed in a toy so when I call him to eat he says, “I’m not hungry”.  As the parent, I know my kids need to eat. So how do you get your kids to the table without losing your cool?

Through a lot of trial and error, I’ve discovered three phrases that have helped curb mealtime battles.

 

“You need to come sit at the table, but you don’t have to eat.”

This phrase has been a game changer at my house. When it’s dinner time my kids are asked to come to the table. I tell them they do not have to eat. What they are asked to do is come and sit down. This has been powerful because my children realize they can’t play anymore. When the option to play is removed, they often end up eating something since they’re already at the table.

“Eat or go hungry”

I can’t tell you how many times my child has said during mealtimes, “I don’t like it, I don’t want it, I want something else.” I gently tell my child that what they’re saying is not kind. Mommy or daddy worked hard so they could have nice food to eat. If you don’t like it, you don’t have to eat it. However, they will not get another meal.

Our rule is that they can sit at the table with us and either eat or not eat. If they choose to not eat, they will not get another food option. When the rules are explained, my child will often eat some of the food that was prepared. When the choice is to go hungry or eat what’s on the table, my kids usually choose to eat what’s there.

“To sit at the table, you need to choose to be happy”

In our house, in order to sit at the table, you need to choose to be happy. I don’t enjoy a meal with a screaming child. If my child chooses to scream or throw a fit at the table, I get up and move them or their chair into another room. I tell the child they can come back when they’re happy. It’s amazing how simply removing the child will often curb the bad behavior. My kids want to be where the action is, so when I remove them, the incentive is high for them to want to come back to the table and be happy.

These phrases have helped me curb a lot of mealtime battles. What are some strategies you’ve found helpful during mealtime?
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4 Tips to Help You Survive the Difficult Days of Raising Little Kids

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Some days being a mom is really tough. Today my one-year-old is teething, boycotting her nap, will only eat bananas and cries unless I’m holding her. My three-year-old is being exceptionally disobedient and defiant.
One of those behaviors in a day would make you stressed out but combined together and I’m ready to go back to bed or hide and it’s only 9 AM.
If you’re a mom you’ve experienced a day like this. Some days are just really hard. Some days you want to quit and say forget it. Here are a few things I do when I feel like I want to quit.

How I survive the difficult days.

  1. Remember it’s temporary. As much as today stinks, it’s temporary. Your kids will be in a better mood tomorrow. The teething will stop. Hang in there, it will get better.
  2. Find a way to unwind. You’ve got to find an outlet to unwind. If it’s really bad and you feel you’re going to lose it, put your kids in their beds or rooms where they’re safe and take ten minutes to get your sanity back. Take deep breaths, drink a quick cup of coffee, whatever. It’s not worth you losing your cool.
    Read: 4 Reasons A Flexible Schedule for Toddlers Works For Me
  3. Realize how precious your children are. Even when they are annoying the snot out of you, they are precious lives that God has entrusted to your care. Keep reminding yourself of how precious they are and what an awesome opportunity you have to be their mom. God placed you and them together for a purpose. Never take it for granted.
    Read: How I Began Developing a Love For Christ In My Child’s Heart
  4. Ask God for help. I can’t be a good mom without God’s help. As a mom, know you can always go to God for help and ask Him for wisdom. Many times I don’t know what to do or how to handle a situation. However, when I’ve gone to God and asked for his help, he’s often showed me something I could do to help the situation.
There will be many tough days as you raise your children. The important thing to do is to stay encouraged. Tomorrow will be another day. You can make it through! Don’t give up, you’re raising a precious blessing from God!
For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength. – Phil 4:13 (NLT)
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6 Chores Toddlers Can Do Around The House

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The other day I discovered a surprising secret. My toddlers want to help with the chores around the house. In fact, I had my three year old crying because I had finished cleaning and he hadn’t gotten the chance to help.
So instead of doing the dishes and turning on cartoons to keep your kids out of your hair, consider letting your toddlers help out around the house.
Realistically they’re not going to do that great of a job, but letting your kids begin to learn at a young age can be really great! With a little encouragement, you’ll find that your toddler begins to become a really big helper around the house!

Here are six chores my toddlers help with around the house.

  1. Sweeping.  –  I give them a small dustpan and broom and they love to sweep. We pretend we’re street sweepers getting the streets clean. My son loves mopping too. He loves seeing the paths the water makes from his mop. I love a clean floor, so it’s a win-win.
  2. Putting silverware in dishwasher. – My one year old helps out a lot with this. She loves putting the spoons, knives and forks into the slots. It takes her awhile, but it keeps her busy when I’m finishing up the dishes.
  3. Lightweight Vacuum – My kids love helping vacuum. I think they enjoy watching all the crumbs under the table get sucked up. They can’t use the big vacuum yet, but we have a lightweight one that works well for little hands to use.
  4. Dusting. – Both of my kids like this. My three year old loves making the “spraying go away”. He loves when I spray a table with dusting spray and he can make all of it go away.
  5. Pick Up Toys – Both of my toddlers pick up their toys. It’s something we began working on when they were little. My three year old can pick up his room on his own and my one-year-old is able to pick her toys up with some assistance.
    Read: How I Keep My Kids From Getting Bored With Their Toys
  6. Laundry. – Both toddlers put shoes, socks and into the lower drawers in their dressers. They also help put small clothes into the washer or dryer. They can’t do this all independently now, but I like teaching these skills early so when they get big enough they’ll be able to do it themselves.

I love teaching my kids to do chores at a young age. It really seems to give them a confidence boost. I love watching their beaming faces when I act really excited about how good they cleaned their room or mopped the floor.

Mommy, I’m a good helper! – 3 Year Old

What are some things you like to have your kids help out with around your house?

Read: 6 Easy Activities To Keep Toddlers Entertained

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Two Simple Strategies to Avoid Toddler Tantrums

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The best way to describe a toddler’s tantrum is senseless. When a toddler throws a tantrum it usually makes no sense. My toddler has been in tears because I held a toothbrush sideways instead of straight up in his mouth while I brushed his teeth. I’ve also had my toddler scream loudly at me because I dared to look at him while he was eating. Tantrums can be absolutely infuriating for a parent because most of the time they don’t make any sense.

The sad thing is, toddler tantrums can’t be avoided completely. Tantrums are going to happen at times and over absolutely silly things. However, I’ve discovered two things that seem to help limit my toddler’s tantrums.

Keep Your Toddler Well-Fed.

In my toddler’s case, it seems like almost any time he throws a tantrum it’s usually because he’s hungry. One time at lunch he wouldn’t stop crying. I asked him why he was having such a hard time. He said it was hard to be good when he was so hungry.

It’s hard to be good when I’m hungry. – 3 Year Old

My one-year-old hits others, the floor, or her toys when she’s hungry. It’s the only time I see her do it. When she’s hungry she just doesn’t act right. So now that I know this when I see her starting to hit and throw tantrums, I know it’s time to get that girl fed fast.

Being hungry can be the trigger that sets your toddler or pre-toddler over the edge. As a parent, it can be helpful to pay attention to when your little last ate and how much they ate. If they didn’t eat well, or it’s been a long time since they ate, you can’t realistically expect good behavior.  With that in mind, if you know lunch will be late, be sure to pack a snack, lunch on the go, or something to keep those little tummies fed. Avoid tantrums by keeping those littles well-fed!

Keep Your Toddler Well-Rested.

A sleepy kid isn’t going to be as well behaved. Whenever possible, try to make naps happen every day. Also, you can’t stay out late at night for lots of nights in a row and expect your toddler to not be affected. Rest can greatly affect the behavior of your kids.

One of my kids is sensitive to sleep, the other isn’t. If my toddler wakes up too early or doesn’t go to bed at the right time, their behavior will not be good. Whenever possible, I try to ensure that naps happen regularly. Even if the nap is shorter than normal, I still try to squeeze in a little snooze if at all possible.

I can’t be nice when I’m sleepy, mom – 3 Year Old

There are lots of strategies to help with toddler behavior but these are two good ones to check up on. A hungry or sleepy kid is going to be more prone to tantrums and fits. That’s why I love having my kids on a flexible schedule, I know when they’ve eaten last and slept. This helps me determine whether the tantrum is because they’re tired, hungry, or if they’re just being a child.
Also, if you have to run errands, help your toddler out by going after lunch, snack or nap. Picking times that you know your toddler will be well behaved will certainly help you keep your sanity and save you lots of embarrassment.
Toddler Throwing Tantrum - Two Strategies to help your toddler avoid tantrums
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4 Reasons A Flexible Schedule for Toddlers Works For Me

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I love watching my kids discover new things. I love the unexpected hugs, the sticky hands touching my arm while reading a book or the smiles and giggles we share. Being a parent has changed my life for the better. I believe part of why I love being with my kids so much is due to the schedule they’re on. For me, a schedule has helped me work from home while raising two kids.

Here are four ways that scheduling my kid’s day has helped me.

Reason One – A Schedule Makes Sure I Get A Break

As much as I love being a mom, I need some alone time. The reason I love our flexible schedule is that it provides me with some much needed “me time”. I have several times during the day when I can take a break from being mom. That is a relief. I know my kids are napping or playing in their rooms and are safe. This allows me to relax for a minute and to help me be a better mom.
When my kids are around, I’m never relaxed. I’m always trying to keep them from hurting themselves and keep them having fun. The reason a schedule is so great is that it allows me to take some breaks from being a mom.

Reason Two – A Schedule Helps My Kids Get Along Better

I think a flexible schedule helps my kids get along better. My kids have their moments when they fight, they’re human. However, I believe that scheduling some time apart everyday has helped my kids get along better. They’re usually very excited to see each other and give each other an abundance of hugs and kisses. I believe this is due to the fact that they both have some time scheduled away from each other during the day.

Reason Three – With A Schedule I Can Work From Home

My flexible schedule allows me to work from home. As much as I had wanted to be a stay at home mom, my husband and I weren’t able to make that work, financially. However, by scheduling my kid’s day I’ve been able to both stay at home with the kids and work at home. I’m able to set aside time each day to get my work done and I know the kids are busy doing activities that I’ve planned out for them.

Reason Four – A Schedule Ensures I Get Time With My Husband

Our schedule allows me some alone time with my husband. My kids have set bedtimes that are early enough to allow my husband and I to have a little time together at night. I need the time to be able to talk to him while being focused and uninterrupted. Our flexible schedule provides this for us.

My kids are on a schedule and it’s worked great for us. They seem to like knowing what’s coming next in their day and what to expect. Our schedule is very flexible, so if a fun opportunity presents itself, we’re sure to stop what we’re doing and go have fun.
Four Reasons A Flexible Schedule for Toddlers Works For Me
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