A Healthy Little Note: Issue #3
Happy new year!
Here are five things to help you and your little one make the most of 2018...
1. HOW TO KNOW WHEN YOU'RE READY FOR SLEEP TRAINING
It's ok to ask for help.
One of the most common questions I get from people is whether or not they (and their baby) is ready for sleep training.
Too often, people associate sleep training with Crying It Out (CIO) or rely on the often contradicting advice of their well-intentioned friends and family.
Here's what I recommend if you're wondering if sleep training is for you:
First, do a gut check. Are you REALLY ready? Change is hard and you need to be consistent (and ready to deal with your little one's initial protest tears!).
You need to overcome your excuses (What if she's stuck? What if there's a spider? What if she's cold?).
I've heard them all and don't worry - that's what baby monitors are for.
You need to be confident. That's where I can help you by giving you the tools to know what to expect and what to do.
You also need to make a minimum two-week commitment with no traveling, visitors, or illness because if you're wishy-washy with your commitment, you're going to cause a lot of confusion for your little one.
With those things in place, you're ready for sleep training.
But is your baby? Well, the answer to that question is here.
Want to discuss your child's specific situation?
Go here to schedule a FREE 15-minute call with me and we can chat about it!
Or, just reply to this email with any questions you have and I'll be happy to answer.
* * *
2. HOW TO KNOW WHEN IT'S SAFE TO FEED YOUR LITTLE ONE PEANUT BUTTER
Do you know if your little one has mild to moderate eczema, they're more likely to develop a peanut allergy or an allergy to something else?
I found this out when my son (who has eczema) discovered he's allergic to cashews and pistachios.
This Healthy Children article about when you can start giving your baby peanut butter reminded me of something I did - when we went to our 12 month check up, I gave my son peanut butter for the first time in the doctor's office.
You know, just in case...
* * *
3. YOU'RE AN ADULT, YOU CAN DEAL WITH A CRYING BABY
You know how some parents try to compensate for their crying baby on a plane by passing out cookies or other treats to the adults around them?
That's probably not necessary.
Rachel Darnall explains why she won't give you a cookie for putting up with a screaming toddler on a plane and points out, "She's a baby. I don't expect her to handle the situation with maturity, because she's not mature. I do, however, expect maturity from adults."
* * *
4. 10 ROUTINES TO STRENGTHEN YOUR PARENT-CHILD RELATIONSHIP
Psychology Today shares this great list of routines you can use to connect with your child including to aim for 12 hugs a day, welcome emotion, and turn off technology when you interact.
* * *
5. A HEALTHY LITTLE RECOMMENDATION: TWO GREAT PARENTING BOOKS
Just Tell Me What To Say: Sensible Tips and Scripts for Perplexed Parents
A down-to-earth guide on handling everything from sibling rivalry to questions about death, divorce, and sex.
How to Talk So Kids Will Listen & Listen So Kids Will Talk
A timeless book about how to solve common problems and build foundations for lasting relationships.
* * *
That wraps up this issue!
Hope you enjoyed it and I'd LOVE if you shared it with your friends on social media or spread the word on the local Mommy gossip circuit - thanks!
Susie
PS - You can send people here to subscribe to get the next Healthy Little Note!