Dear Heather,
I just had a total Mama meltdown :(
Tonight was a struggle getting my 5 year old son ready for bed. Of course we all have those nights, but tonight seemed to be over the top.
The first day back to school is always difficult for both children and parents.
As adults we know what it feels like when we get some time off work. We dread that first day back. Often it takes us a few days to get back into the "swing" of things.
Not only was I frustrated and tired from a long day myself, I could SEE that my son was tired and did not want to go to sleep."
So instead of our regular bedtime routine, I turned on some relaxing music and read a short meditation to him. Within 5 minutes he was out like a light. I INSTANTLY witnessed his behaviour change as soon as I created that relaxing environment.
So... No matter how hard it gets, no matter how frustrated you may become, no matter how dark the thoughts or how deep the sabotage...
You are an AMAZING parent, and your children will always love you.
And that love always gives HOPE when
you need it most. Even in the darkest
moments when you feel isolated and
alone...
Know that you are not alone.
You are part of an amazing wave of parents who do the very best they can each and everyday.
Give yourself a pat on the back because YOU deserve it.
With Love,
Heather |
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I had a difficult time getting my grandchildren to go to bed without throwing tantrums or continuously getting out of bed. As a licensed social worker with a child with ADHD and Bipolar Disorder, I knew the benefits of routines and rewards. With that being said, I developed "The Bedtime Fairy Rocks Box". The box holds everything you need to help you and your child succeed and start a bedtime routine that is fun and less stressful for everyone: book, song, crayons and stickers to help them color and decorate their box making it their own (which makes it more likely for them to use), and bedtime fairy dust. They put all their fears in the box and sprinkle with bedtime fairy dust to help them feel calmer when going to sleep. All you have to do it is be consistent and provide some small token/reward in their box, so that when they wake up they can be rewarded for going to bed like a big kid.
ReplyDeleteStephanie S., MBA, MSW, LSW
Stephanie, Thank you so much for sharing. Your Bedtime Fairy Rocks Box is a fantastic idea. It is always so great to learn new and creative ways for bedtime success :)
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