The Holidays are over and things are starting to settle. While our normal routine is starting to fall back into place, something may seem slightly off. That something is your toddler and it’s a tale I hear far too often after this busy merry season. Gatherings were had and new toys were played with, and your child’s normal structure and routine was pretty inconsistent. Because of this a sleep debt has slowly built up over the last few weeks and now you’re left with an overtired, cranky, and willful toddler. I list my 3 ingredients to cure the Holiday Hangover that could be plaguing your little one.
1-2 Pinches of a Nap
Sign Up For Our Newsletter
Between travelling and family time, naps may have fallen by the wayside. It’s time to bring them back! Whether your toddler is still having two naps a day or one, if we treat naps as options your toddler will treat them as such. It’s time to get back to your usual nap routine and schedule. If your child is giving you a hard time use some of my “Tricks of the (Sleep) Trade.” Toddler alarm clocks, quiet time activities, and a calming naptime routine can help your little one get back on track with their naps.
A Cup of a Bedtime Routine
With rushed naps and late bedtimes, your usual calming naptime and bedtime routine has probably disappeared. It’s tough for your toddler to go from 100 to 0 so having that downtime before lights out is important to gradually bring down his stimulation. Quality one-on-one time can also help with the everyday temperament of your little one. Sometimes the acting out we see throughout the day is because they are trying to get our attention so a bedtime routine is the perfect opportunity to give them that attention they need and want.
A Dash of an Early Bedtimes
Without even realizing it bedtime may have slowly inched later and later throughout the Holidays. Bringing it back to its early time is probably one of the most important ingredients to cure the holiday hangover. It also helps balance everything out while naps are being reintroduced. Remember the better rested your child is going down to sleep the easier he will fall asleep and better he will sleep throughout the night.
So there you have it! Shaken or stirred these three dreamy ingredients will result in peaceful sleeping nights for you and your family once again.
