Who knew that The Sound of Music had something to teach us about sleep?
Problem: You know you have to get the kids to sleep.
Or else…the few precious hours you have for yourself tonight will be lost, tomorrow could be horrific because of a cranky sleep-deprived family, you’ll feel pressure and guilt that yet another day to teach good habits and health is lost. And of course you, the parent, has to get enough sleep to keep going. When you’re at your best, your family is at their best.
The solution is surprisingly simple: Confidence
Yes, we can “plus” our bedtime routine with movement, essential oils, baths, and other beautiful rituals that contribute to sleep hygiene, plan our days for better sleep (if you don’t have the Bedtime Blueprint already you can download it here) but without confidence neither parents or children will get enough sleep.
And parents’ sleep duration directly affects children’s sleep duration.
That’s according to a study conducted by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine. You can read about it here
And of course I can’t help but hear the song “I Have Confidence” from The Sound of Music in my head when this comes up. (Actually, Rodgers and Hammerstein’s work have a lot of positive thinking ear worms worth putting on your inner playlist.)
Here are 3 ways to boost your confidence in getting better sleep for yourself and your family.
- Plan
If you’re planning on sleeping, you have to plan for sleep. This is as simple as cutting out caffeine and sugar after noon, unplugging from screens of all sorts a few hours before bedtime, and timing everyone’s hygiene and bedtime routines so they get under the covers about 20 minutes before lights out.Include in your planning setting up bedtime boundaries. Unless there’s an emergency, kids stay in bed after lights out. When we teach our kids good sleep habits, we’re giving them an important life skill.What’s great about planning, is you’ll find yourself with literally hours more time in the evening. According to the National Sleep Foundations guidelines, sleep requirements for elementary-aged children and adults vary at least 2 hours. That’s 2 extra hours every single day of free time. Does that sound like music to your ears? - Education and Learning
If you’re following this blog or Sleepytime Club on Facebook and Twitter, you’re skilling-up when it comes to sleep and building good sleep habits. - Positive Thinking
Now here’s where that Sound of Music playlist comes in handy! Recognize the negative thoughts first. Thoughts such as “I can never get the kids to bed on time” or “We’ll never get a peaceful routine down!” Write them down so you can get them outside your head and be more objective. They’re ridiculous, right? Of course you can get the kids to bed on time and have a peaceful routine for the entire family.Replace negative thinking with your Favorite Things.
And if you’re looking for the perfect bedtime book that gives you the confidence to connect with your child in 20 minutes or less, a calm journey to sleep, and a playlist to leave behind so you are guaranteed bedtime boundaries and some well-earned grownup time, Stars, the first bedtime kit is free. Just fill out the form below.
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