This one here is the key to liberty and justice for all.
If you are wondering how you can have some peace and quiet in your home every evening and some good Q.T. with your other half, this post is for you!
Sleep is sooo important
Have you ever gone on vacation, stayed up way too late during your time away, only to find yourself coming down with something afterwards? Or what about after a time of working longer hours and sleeping less hours? As adults, sleep plays such a big part in what goes on internally. And the best part is, it's FREE! As we sleep, it gives our bodies the appropriate time to reset, recharge, and even regenerate our cells. If sleep helps keep us strong as adults, just think how important sleep is for children who are still developing and growing. It’s vital.
Sleep helps everything from concentration to regulating moods to fighting viruses. This is exactly why your body asks to sleep more when you feel sick. It’s our body’s way of saying, “Hold on a second! I am busy right now fighting crime. Come back later.” These are some odd things I daydream about, in case you’re wondering.
It’s impossible— My kids kick and scream.
You are right. They do. But like with everything else, with a solid routine, THEY WILL LEARN that you mean sleepy time business and eventually stop their fits.
When Cadence first came into our lives as a tiny 2 year old, I felt the same exact way. I called a mom of three at the time and she walked me through the "3 day" sleep training trick. It’s the best mom-trick I have ever learned thus far. She told me exactly what to do and what to expect while I was doing it. I swear it worked like a charm, exactly the way she said it would! Since then, I have implemented this sleep training model with the foster children that have come through and it has worked every single time. Coincidence that we just got good kids? I doubt it.
Do not let your kids dictate when and how they go to bed. They do not know any better, but you do. The same way you would not let them eat candy for breakfast, lunch, and dinner every day is the same way you should help them get a good night’s sleep.
I have also shared this with so many friends since then and it has worked for them as well. Follow the simple recommendations below and see how it can work for you.
Here’s a good routine (tweak as needed)
Give your kids a bedtime routine. This will allow them to unwind. It also sends “wind down” signals to their little brains, preparing them for what’s next.
Here’s our everyday bedtime routine:
1. Bath time
2. Lotion & Pjs
3. Kids choose a book each to read together
4. Prayer time
5. Last potty run
6. Use sleepy time roller bottle to massage their feet (see recipe below)
7. We sing a song together as I rock them for a few minutes
8. Kisses, hugs and put in bed (see below for the 3 day sleep training)
Sounds like a lot of steps but it goes by quickly. Our 2 and 3 year old foster children know exactly what to expect and what comes next, even at their tiny age.
Here’s where the magic happens
Day 1— After your bedtime routine (like above), lay them down in their bed, while saying something like, “Okay, it’s time to go night-night. You are going to lay down in your bed and go to sleep. I love you.” Walk away confidently and leave the room. Prop the door just a little if you need to. They will cry for about 45 minutes to an hour. Every 10 minutes or so (as hard as it is to wait that long) go in and reassure them. Keep repeating that same line each and every time you go in. After 4 or 5 times, they will understand that you will not “rescue” them.
Day 2— Repeat. Only this time, it should take about 20-30 minutes.
Day 3— Repeat. This time it should take about 10-15 minutes.
Day 4— Liberty and justice for ALL!
My biggest advice- DO NOT GIVE IN! If you do, you will have to start all over and you may extend the process because… well, children are not stupid. They know our every weakness.
Sleepy Time Blend
Meant for 10ml roller bottles. Add drops first, then fill the rest with carrier oil (i.e. fractionated coconut or almond oil).
• Lavender 10 drops (calming)
• Cedarwood 10 drops (promotes deep sleep)
For more info, message me on Instagram and I would love to help! Keep in mind that essential oils are not FDA regulated, therefore, make sure you are using oils from a reputable place without the synthetic additions.
Everything I just shared is based on my personal experience but has truly worked wonders in our home. I would love to hear any and all success stories, so please share!