Elisabeth Kubler-Ross states, "We cannot control the wind, but we can set the sails." How do you think this relates to sleep? After reading the first five chapters, what are your plans for your family?
There are some things in life that we can control and others that we cannot control. We cannot make our children go to sleep (although we may put them in the bed), but we can set the mood or tone for them to relax enough for them to go to sleep. I like some of the techniques used by parents in the book. I realized that some of the same things that relax me will work for my girls as well. I love giving and receiving massages, low soothing music, light fragrances like lavender, low lights, and reading. We usually read to the girls and pray before bed, but I am trying some of these other techniques as well. I like how the author compared the sleep policies of Facility A and Facility B. We sometimes get so use to being in control of some things that we don't realize that we are attempting to control everything even our children's sleep. I like how Counselor Stubbs and some of the parents in the book worked out strategies specifically for their own families and children. I could relate to that list at the beginning of Chapter 4 with all the advice people gave to me when I first had the girls. I also like the strategies that were given for how to handle people and their advice respectfully. You don't want to hurt anyone's feelings or step on their toes, but at the same time it is so important to make up a plan that works for your family and even for the individual children in your family. Sometimes it can be easy to get so caught up in things being convenient for the family that we forget to look at each person's individual needs. I want my family's sleep policy to be more like Facility B and for bedtime not to be dreaded by the girls. It's one of my favorite parts of the day. Rest and Relaxation.
I agree with you. It is difficult as a parent to listen to all the advice you receive from relatives, friends, and strangers. You have to find what works for your family. In our house, bedtime is a great time for rest and relaxation!
According to the author, our children need anywhere from 10-12 hours of sleep each night. I've always tried to get them in bed early enough for this to be possible, even though I'd never read an exact time until now. I've really enjoyed her book so far, and it's just made me more mindful to keep doing what we've been doing. We try to get our kids in bed by around 7 pm, 7:30 at the latest.
Not having my own children, but observing children over the last twenty years, I see the impact sleep has on students well being. Since starting this book, I have had many conversations with my sister about my nephew and his sleep patterns. I have also made changes to my sleep patterns and it has noticeable difference in my wakeful attitude.
As the mother of 3 children I can really see the effect that my older children's activities is having on my 4 year old. Emma is out many nights past the time she should be in bed beasue of her brother's baseball game or practice, etc. We are going to have to sit down as a family and decide whic activities fit our schedule and which ones don't. It will not be easy. My boys are just like me. They like to be involved in everything! Unfortunately we have already signed up for basketball. SO we will have to make these changes slowly. However, after reading about ways to help children realz I have started doing that with Wesley. He is very much like me and has a hard time settling down. Now that I recognize this I have been more patient with him at bedtime. I am better able to help him relax. I am still struggling with Emma. I'll keep you posted (pun intended!)
This is a great resource to allow us to feel it is ok to do the things that we felt were needed to help our children relax but everyone else said that we were spoiling our children.
There are some things in life that we can control and others that we cannot control. We cannot make our children go to sleep (although we may put them in the bed), but we can set the mood or tone for them to relax enough for them to go to sleep. I like some of the techniques used by parents in the book. I realized that some of the same things that relax me will work for my girls as well. I love giving and receiving massages, low soothing music, light fragrances like lavender, low lights, and reading. We usually read to the girls and pray before bed, but I am trying some of these other techniques as well. I like how the author compared the sleep policies of Facility A and Facility B. We sometimes get so use to being in control of some things that we don't realize that we are attempting to control everything even our children's sleep. I like how Counselor Stubbs and some of the parents in the book worked out strategies specifically for their own families and children. I could relate to that list at the beginning of Chapter 4 with all the advice people gave to me when I first had the girls. I also like the strategies that were given for how to handle people and their advice respectfully. You don't want to hurt anyone's feelings or step on their toes, but at the same time it is so important to make up a plan that works for your family and even for the individual children in your family. Sometimes it can be easy to get so caught up in things being convenient for the family that we forget to look at each person's individual needs. I want my family's sleep policy to be more like Facility B and for bedtime not to be dreaded by the girls. It's one of my favorite parts of the day. Rest and Relaxation.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you. It is difficult as a parent to listen to all the advice you receive from relatives, friends, and strangers. You have to find what works for your family. In our house, bedtime is a great time for rest and relaxation!
ReplyDeleteAccording to the author, our children need anywhere from 10-12 hours of sleep each night. I've always tried to get them in bed early enough for this to be possible, even though I'd never read an exact time until now. I've really enjoyed her book so far, and it's just made me more mindful to keep doing what we've been doing. We try to get our kids in bed by around 7 pm, 7:30 at the latest.
ReplyDeleteNot having my own children, but observing children over the last twenty years, I see the impact sleep has on students well being. Since starting this book, I have had many conversations with my sister about my nephew and his sleep patterns. I have also made changes to my sleep patterns and it has noticeable difference in my wakeful attitude.
ReplyDeleteAs the mother of 3 children I can really see the effect that my older children's activities is having on my 4 year old. Emma is out many nights past the time she should be in bed beasue of her brother's baseball game or practice, etc. We are going to have to sit down as a family and decide whic activities fit our schedule and which ones don't. It will not be easy. My boys are just like me. They like to be involved in everything! Unfortunately we have already signed up for basketball. SO we will have to make these changes slowly. However, after reading about ways to help children realz I have started doing that with Wesley. He is very much like me and has a hard time settling down. Now that I recognize this I have been more patient with him at bedtime. I am better able to help him relax. I am still struggling with Emma. I'll keep you posted (pun intended!)
ReplyDeleteThis is a great resource to allow us to feel it is ok to do the things that we felt were needed to help our children relax but everyone else said that we were spoiling our children.
ReplyDelete