Comments on: HUNTER’S DAILY ROUTINE

By: beverly

beverly — Sat, 09 Jul 2011 13:02:04 +0000

In reply to weelisa.

I love your Mum's idea - go to bed at 8pm even if you refuse to sleep etc. I think it gives children a sense of security when there are set routines, so I hope to do that with Hunter!

And to make sure we are not mad-strict parents, we make daytimes very flexible and go with the flow, so he also becomes accustomed to change and doesn't get fussed by it. I hope it all works.. heh

By: beverly

beverly — Sat, 09 Jul 2011 05:02:04 +0000

In reply to weelisa.

I love your Mum's idea - go to bed at 8pm even if you refuse to sleep etc. I think it gives children a sense of security when there are set routines, so I hope to do that with Hunter!

And to make sure we are not mad-strict parents, we make daytimes very flexible and go with the flow, so he also becomes accustomed to change and doesn't get fussed by it. I hope it all works.. heh

By: weelisa

weelisa — Thu, 07 Jul 2011 20:46:05 +0000

I don't have kids, but you sound like you are channeling my mom. She was adamant about the regular bedtime when I was growing up. I had to be in bed at 8:00 p.m. for the longest time. I didn't have to go to sleep (you can't make anyone do that) but I had to be in bed. Turns out years later I read that a routine like that is crucial for the best rest - esp if you want to avoid problems like insomnia later on.

I always needed 8 hours to be functional - then and now. I remember those kids who were allowed to go to bed when they wanted - they often missed school or were later because they couldn't wake up properly.

Go with your instincts...they sound wonderful...

By: weelisa

weelisa — Thu, 07 Jul 2011 12:46:05 +0000

Go with your instincts...they sound wonderful...

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Tue, 05 Jul 2011 02:53:25 +0000

We have a fairly similar routine in the morning and at night! I think the only difference is that Nae needs a couple of 2 plus hour sleeps during the day and 1 shorter one (about 40 mins). Otherwise, she gets cranky!

By: beverly

beverly — Tue, 05 Jul 2011 01:58:19 +0000

I hope your lil one will be a good sleeper so you can get as much rest as possible.. a well-rested mama is a happy mama, heh!

By: beverly

beverly — Tue, 05 Jul 2011 01:57:32 +0000

In reply to Anonymous.

I think self-soothing is the holy grail.. and once a child can do that, things get so much easier!

I think Hunter naps anywhere and everywhere because we did it since he turned 1 month old and I went out every day with friends. So maybe he's just used to it? Maybe if you keep doing it, he'll soon get used to it and be able to nap outside :)

By: padicindy

padicindy — Tue, 05 Jul 2011 01:26:03 +0000

In reply to beverly.

Most babies need at least one good nap at home and 10 to 12 hours at night to function optimally. For my two kiddos they will only Catnap outside 30 to 45 mins each time and does not sleep well either! Then they get superbly cranky. I try to assure myself that naps are not forever so one day they'll be able to manage better outside home! So for being able to manage on 3 short naps and still remain happy, Hunter's a dream! :)

By: beverly

beverly — Tue, 05 Jul 2011 00:11:28 +0000

In reply to padicindy.

I strongly believe expected routines are really beneficial for young children... it works for us anyway!

I didn't realise 3x45mins is little?? I thought it was enough cos he sleeps for 12hrs at night!

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Mon, 04 Jul 2011 19:49:25 +0000

Fantastic! We just helped Enoch learn how to self-soothe too, wished we had done the "drowsy but awake" thing a lot sooner! Am also amazed by how Hunter is able to nap on the go :) Enoch is now getting a great nap routine at home, but I'm kinda wondering how it'll be if we take him outside during his normal naptime. Any tips on how to have the baby nap well while outside?