A Healthy Little Note: Issue #8

Ever feel like your savvy little one is one step ahead of you when it comes to discipline?

Don’t worry, we’ve all been there.

In this week’s newsletter I share some practical tips on how to stay ahead and create moments where your kiddos can avoid defiant behavior and make good choices.

Also this week, I’ve got an article on ways to help your little one understand you better, tips on how to promote more restful sleep, a story of one Dad’s hilarious journey through some questionable parenting choices, and some of my favorite client recommendations from this week.

Let’s do this!

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1. HOW I HANDLED THE GREAT CHEESE BATTLE OF 2018

Let's begin with a quick re-enactment of a conversation I had with my little one the other day...

Little: (opens lunch box) Yuck! I don’t like this cheese.
 

Me: (pre-empting) Oh, ok… you don’t have to eat it, just leave it there. 

Little: Starts to poke cheese to make inedible. 

Me: Please don’t poke the cheese. If you don’t want it, you can leave it in your lunch or put it back in the fridge for someone else to eat, so we don’t waste it. 

Little: Pokes Cheese.

Me: Takes cheese away.

Sound familiar?

I’ve been on this rodeo before, but somehow taking the cheese away is still not satisfying. She didn’t want the cheese in the first place.

Taking the cheese away is exactly what she wanted me to do because she doesn’t want the cheese.

Ugh. 

She knew. She’s a step ahead. They’re smart and savvy these little ones!

So, what did I do?  

Here's a breakdown of how I handled my little one's defiance in this situation and what happened as a result.

(Spoiler alert: It worked!)

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.
 

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2. FIVE SIMPLE WAYS TO HELP YOUR CHILD UNDERSTAND YOU

From encouraging you to speak slowly and simply, to leaving some time for your little to process your question, this super helpful article gives some great tips on how to step up your communication skills.

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3. TO HELP CHILDREN SLEEP, GO DARK

It may sound like a simple solution, but this insightful New York Times article pinpoints the science behind why it’s better to sleep in the dark.

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4. WHAT NOT TO DO AS A PARENT

We’ve all been there.

I’ve actually fallen asleep mid-sentence reading a book - let’s be honest, you barely have to read it in the first place cause it’s the 200th time you’ve read it.

It’s not until you hear, “Mommy? Turn the page!” that you realize you slipped
away for a second.

This article taps into some of the hilarity of what not to do as a parent, and
we all have our own versions of them.

It gave me a chuckle, and I bet you'll relate to it as well.

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5. A HEALTHY LITTLE RECOMMENDATION: FOUR THINGS I RECOMMENDED TO CLIENTS THIS WEEK!

Here are the top 4 things I’ve recommended to clients this week:

The Original Cushy Closer

This door cushion helps with the noise the door latches make when opening/closing them - perfect for when you’re trying to sneak out of the room without waking your little one.

The Hatch Baby Rest Nightlight, Sound Machine,and Time to Rise

I use this Toddler Clock for Time to Rise… it’s great because you can control it from your phone. 

The Nest Cam

The Angelcare Monitor

These two baby monitors are the best of the bunch and I highly recommend them.
 

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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!