The Sleep Sense Show

Latest Episodes:

Episode 044 - 4 Common Toddler Roadblocks May 11, 2017

Show notes

The toddler years are an amazing experience for both parents and kids. New skills and personality traits seem to develop almost every day, and it's a really fascinating process to be a part of. But as they develop, they like to experiment and see where their boundaries are, so there are usually some frustrating moments to go along with the magical ones, and a whole bunch of those boundary-testing moments are likely to happen around bedtime. Today, I'm discussing the 4 most common challenges parents are likely to face when it comes to toddlers and sleep, and I've got some great tips on how to deal with them calmly, effectively, and with as little protesting as possible.

Episode 043 - The Trouble With Naps May 04, 2017

Show notes

Why is it, given how quickly babies adapt to a new sleep routine at bedtime, that they can't do the same thing when it comes to naps?

Many of the parents I've worked with have been flat-out amazed at how easily their child started sleeping through the night, but when it comes to naps, the results often take quite a bit longer to materialize.

It can be a frustrating endeavor, but I've got some tips in today's show to help you understand why daytime sleep can be so challenging for little ones, and how you can help them get over the hump to start taking long, rejuvenating naps during the day.

Episode 042 - Avoiding the "My Whole World" Trap Apr 27, 2017

Show notes

It's not uncommon to hear a parent refer to their kids as their top priority, or the center of their universe, and for good reason. For most parents, their kids are the single most important thing in their lives.

But there's a slight variance on those expressions that I hear a lot, and it gets under my skin a little bit.

"My kids are my whole world."

I know it might seem like nitpicking, but there's a reason why that particular turn of phrase bugs me, and I'll tell you all about it on today's episode.

Episode 041 - Listener Q and A Apr 21, 2017

Show notes

As long as I've been a sleep consultant, and as much as I've seen the Sleep Sense brand grow, I've never lost my love for one-on-one consultations with people regarding their babies' sleep.

Having dealt with a terrible sleeper myself so many years ago, I know the struggle parents go through, and the amazing sense of relief and happiness that comes when the situation gets resolved.

With that in mind, a couple of weeks ago, I asked listeners to send me their questions about their little ones' sleep issues, and told them I'd respond on the air.

The response, I'd just like to say, was amazing. So a big thank you to everyone who took the time to record their questions.

This week, I'm answering those questions. (Or as many as I could fit into the time we had.) So have a listen and check out the solutions to some of the most common problems that you might be facing as the parent of a sleep-resistant baby! :)

Episode 040 - 3 Ways to Prevent a Toddler Tantrum Apr 13, 2017

Show notes

There's no avoiding it. Your toddler is going to pitch a fit or two. However, tantrums are not usually due to anything serious, and are often just the result of frustration, overtiredness, or some good old fashioned boundary testing.

Which is why, with a little foresight and clever distraction, a lot of them can be avoided before they get out of hand.

On today's episode, I've got some specific, practical, easy-to-follow tips that can help you catch a toddler tantrum in its tracks, and give your little one something to occupy their thoughts and actions before they go into meltdown mode.

Episode 039 - Creating a Perfect Bedtime Routine Apr 06, 2017

Show notes

When it comes to getting kids to sleep through the night, nothing compares to a well-crafted bedtime routine. Many parents don't realize the importance of a predictable, relaxing regimen before putting their babies into their crib, or their toddlers into bed.

The reasons for this aren't just psychological. Our bodies go through a fascinating physical process when we start sending signals that we're getting ready for bed.

Although it might seem like an intuitive process, I've seen all kinds of kids improve their sleep habits by leaps and bounds after identifying the problems in their routine. I'll tell you what to stick to and what to avoid on this week's episode.

Episode 038 - How to Discourage Bad Habits Mar 30, 2017

Show notes

I had to be careful in titling this episode, because there's no real "fix" for bad habits in others. (Especially kids, as any parent knows.) All we can do is try to discourage the behavior.

But what form should that discouragement take, and how can we help to make it easier for our little ones to kick those habits? After all, we've all been there, right? Kicking a habit is hard, frustrating work, no matter what age you are.

In today's episode, I'm addressing the "big three" habitual behaviors that kids exhibit, and I'll give you some tips for breaking the compulsion in ways that are both effective and compassionate.

Episode 037 - The 3 Most Common Sleep Regressions Mar 16, 2017

Show notes

New parents are often warned about "The 3 month sleep regression" or "The 9 month sleep regression."

Really, you can substitute any number you want and you'll have no trouble finding corroboration that there's a sleep regression that happens around that age.

But in my experience, there are causes for sleep regressions that have nothing to do with age.

Today, I'll be discussing the three biggest reasons why your little one might suddenly break away from their carefully crafted routine, and what you can do to help get them back on track.

Episode 036 - Improving Communication With Your Children (with Jennifer Lehr) Mar 09, 2017

Show notes

"Be a good girl!" "Do you need a time-out?" Make sure you say thank you!"

The way we talk to our kids is so generic, it could be coming from a handbook. We tell them to behave responsibly, to be considerate of others, and to be mindful of their actions, but is the message we're trying to communicate the one they're receiving?

My guest today, Jennifer Lehr, is the author of ParentSpeak: What's Wrong with How We Talk to Our Children--and What to Say Instead, and she's sharing her thoughts on the traditional approaches to communicating with kids, how kids actually interpret them, and how we can improve our communication tools to be more respectful and effective in talking to our children.

Episode 035 - How Room-Sharing Affects Sleep Mar 02, 2017

Show notes

For a lot of parents I've worked with, room-sharing is straight-up indisputable. Just not always in the same way.

Many parents feel that their baby absolutely has to be in the room with them. Not necessarily in the same bed, but definitely the same room.

Others, myself included, decided early on that baby was going to sleep in their own room, and that the issue wasn't up for debate.

The choice is, obviously, up to you, but it's important to understand what you're taking on when you allow your little one into your bedroom. There are a lot of pros, a lot of cons, and a lot of things you might not have considered.

I'll be talking all about the benefits and drawbacks in this week's episode.

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