From sleeping through the night to nap routines, schedules and even self-soothing, there’s a lot to know about sleep.

There’s no shortage of information out there on the topic of getting your baby to sleep because, as you’ve probably already learned, being sleep-deprived is not fun. From sleeping through the night to nap routines, schedules and even self-soothing, there’s a lot to know about sleep when it comes to your babe. To help you wade through a bit of the confusion (and avoid that overwhelmed new parent feeling), here are a few of the most important do’s and don’ts of baby sleep, with help from Amanda Jewson, sleep consultant and founder of Baby’s Best Sleep.

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seth-baur-via-flickr
Seth Baur via Flickr

Do: Let them sleep as much as they want for the first 3-4 months. Really.

When babies are newborns, their circadian rhythms aren’t fully developed. They sleep a LOT (around 16-20 hours a day!)—but in an irregular pattern. That means it’s pretty tough to get your baby on any kind of routine or schedule. “These initial months are a time of adjustment for your newborn as they’re still getting used to feeding and sleep patterns,” explains Jewson. But she stresses that there’s one time to be a little more diligent with even a wee newborn: If they have their days and nights mixed up. “You’ll want to correct that by waking from naps to feed and expose the baby to sunlight. Keep interactions overnight to a minimum and offer feeds quickly and in the dark when possible.”

So unless you’re dealing with day-night confusion, try to cut yourself a little slack and don’t obsess about sleep times and bedtime routines and all that just yet. Let your wee newborn sleep as much as they want, whenever they want, for the first 4 months or so.

Do: Set up a consistent place for them to sleep.

Once you and your baby are ready for a bit of a routine and schedule, setting up a consistent place for them to sleep is definitely key. Sure, it’s great to let them sleep on you while you’re watching TV or have them doze off while you’re out and about, but it’s not ideal once they get past that itty-bitty newborn phase and you establish a predictable routine. Having them go to sleep in the same place consistently will help them associate their sleep environment with bedtime—and you’ll all hopefully be getting the Z’s you need! Try setting up a room with a few safe sleep essentials essentials like a crib, blackout shades or blinds for a darkened room, and a white noise machine, and put them to bed there regularly for naps and at nighttime.

But don’t stress if this doesn’t totally work for your family. “I believe in the value of consistency, but I also appreciate the need for flexibility,” says Jewson. “For instance, you could aim for the first few naps to always be in the crib and then have some “on-the-go” naps later in the day to suit your lifestyle. Mostly, doing things that allow for the family to function is always preferred over a set routine or method. A problem is only a problem when it’s a problem for your family!”

Don’t: Keep them up late in order to try and get them to sleep in.

One thing you’ll hear a lot when the topic of baby sleep comes up is this: Sleep begets sleep. “Contrary to popular belief, keeping your baby up late doesn’t mean they’ll sleep in the next morning,” Jewson stresses. “Babies and young children have early circadian rhythms, meaning their bodies are ‘pre-programmed’ to wake early no matter when they go to bed.” So the later they go to bed, the less total sleep they’ll get—and getting an overtired baby to sleep is a challenge all in itself since their bodies can start to release cortisol, which makes it hard to settle. So heed our warning: If you keep your baby up late in hopes of a longer sleep-in, you’ll likely just end up with a sleepy and grumpy baby. Not fun for anyone.

scott-via-flickr
Photo: Scott via Flickr

Don’t: Ignore sleepy cues.

Over time, you’ll come to know your baby’s unique pattern of sleep cues, which present in two phases for newborns. “Look out for early sleep cues like a faraway stare, disinterest in play, or slower feeding,” Jewson explains. “Later tired cues like eye-rubbing, yawning, or fussiness may mean you’re past the point of having an easy sleep.” Once babies get older, the later cues become the ones to watch for. When you start noticing the things your baby does when they’re tired, try your best to get started on your naptime or bedtime routine as soon as possible. There’s nothing worse than missing a tired baby’s window and crossing into overtired territory.

Do: Develop a bedtime routine.

It may seem very minor, but wind-down time right before bed is crucial for little ones. “It serves as a signal to your baby that it’s time to wind down,” Jewson says. Your bedtime routine can be as simple as a bath, a cuddle, and a story, then off to sleep. Whatever you choose, keep it consistent so that your baby knows it’s time to relax and drift off to dreamland. The best part? “A bedtime routine is a simple and painless way to improve baby sleep immediately!”

Do: Use that routine at nap time, too.

Naps can be tricky because babies and kids seem to hate them, but parents love them—and everyone needs them! So, if there’s anything that can be done to help encourage your baby to nap, we’re all for it, and Jewson says that means incorporating a bit of your nighttime routine before naps. “At nap time, you can employ some elements from the bedtime routine, like reading a short story or dimming the lights, to establish the association with sleep and these pre-bed activities.” Anything they can associate with sleep will make it easier on you and your baby.

Don’t: Rush in the second your baby makes a little noise.

Babies tend to make a lot of noise when they sleep, but just because they’re fussing a little doesn’t necessarily mean they’re ready to get up. Even though it’s pretty much a burning instinct within us to pick our baby up as soon as she cries, Jewson says to wait. “Before rushing in to soothe a crying baby, I suggest waiting a few minutes to see if they’ll self-soothe.” That being said, it’s important to discern whether your baby is briefly fussy or actually distressed—and you can generally trust your intuition on this one. Trying your best to let them practice falling back asleep on their own is a great life skill that will serve you all well in the long run.

mother-elzambo51-via-pixabay
Photo: elzambo51 via pixabay 

Do: Whatever works for you.

You can try following every tip, trick, schedule and philosophy under the sun when it comes to sleep. In the end, you’ll find that whatever works for one person doesn’t necessarily work for you and your family because every child is unique. “The best approach suits your family’s needs and aligns with your child’s temperament,” Jewson explains. “Be flexible and willing to adapt your strategy as your child grows.” And don’t feel the need to fix other people’s problems—just the ones that make it hard for your family to function. “All the rest will come out in the wash!”

Finally, we can start traveling again! If you have a baby, you know how much gear you need to make your trip as smooth as possible—if you have a teething baby, you have an extra challenge. Well—challenge accepted because we have the perfect #MomHack for on-the-go families with cranky babies: Camilia Teething Drops! Read on for five reasons why these sore-gum soothing drops are going to be the best thing you’ve discovered all summer.

Red Tricycle readers can get a coupon to save $2 on Camilia Teething Liquid Doses! Get Your Coupon

1. Easily Portable

Camilia comes in pre-measured liquid doses, so you don’t need to stress about mixing or measuring. They’re so tiny they can even fit in your pocket, which makes them ideal on the go (hello, plane travel!). Just twist the plastic top and squeeze Camilia into your baby’s mouth and goodbye cranky pants!

 

2. Mess-Free (& Hygienic!)

The small amount of liquid in each dose is quickly absorbed so no sticky mess. Unlike other teething products, you don’t need to rub it on their gums using your finger or an applicator—just open the vial, squeeze the clear, tasteless liquid into the baby’s mouth, toss the plastic vial in recycling and done!

Red Tricycle readers can get a coupon to save $2 on Camilia Teething Liquid Doses! Get Your Coupon

 

3. Clean Formula

Nothing artificial—just what works to relieve painful gums, irritability, and minor digestive upsets sometimes associated with teething.* Camilia Teething Drops are made with plant-based active ingredients like chamomile for teething pain relief. And they’re free of benzocaine, preservatives, flavors and sugars.

Red Tricycle readers can get a coupon to save $2 on Camilia Teething Liquid Doses! Get Your Coupon

 

4. Trustworthy

Camilia has been soothing babies for 25 years and is a Mom’s Choice Awards winner and recipient of the Moms Meet seal of approval. Camilia Teething Liquid Doses are made by Boiron, world leader in homeopathic medicines, so you can rest assured these are the real deal.

Red Tricycle readers can get a coupon to save $2 on Camilia Teething Liquid Doses! Get Your Coupon

 

5. Widely Available

Out of town and away from your usual shopping hub? No problem! Camilia Teething Drops are available at all major retailers nationwide. Deal alert: Red Tricycle readers can get a coupon to save $2.00 on Camilia Teething Drops!

Get Your Coupon

 

*Disclaimer: Claims based on traditional homeopathic practice, not accepted medical evidence. Not FDA evaluated.

 

—Jamie Aderski

 

As I work to raise my kids, I often think back to my mid-20s when I started entertaining the idea of ever having children.

I remember deciding I would be more of a mentor than a parent. I told myself I would never take any shortcuts. And most hilariously of all, I thought I would never ever allow my child to throw a tantrum.

But most of these ideas came back to bite me when I became a mom. On one occasion, I even found myself standing in the middle of the grocery store, watching in horror as my 3-year-old had a (very loud) public meltdown.

Unfortunately, that was far from the last time something like that happened. But, since then, I have managed to learn about the reasons my kids were having tantrums. And, more importantly, my partner and I found a few good ways of fixing the issue.

What Are Tantrums or Acting Out?

Before I could start looking for ways to prevent my kids from acting out, I had to understand what the concept meant in the first place. According to most sources, it’s an exhibition of improper behavior or unrestrained actions. It’s also usually caused by emotions that have been suppressed or that have not been acknowledged.

Basically, children act out to reduce stress. It’s their way of showing emotions that have previously been hidden. And the best way to prevent it is to address these stressors directly.

The following are the things we focused on while attempting to prevent major tantrums.

1. Their Needs Are Unmet 
When trying to figure out why our older child was acting out, this was the first thing we looked at. After all, don’t we all get a bit cranky when our basic needs aren’t met?

Young children aren’t always capable of voicing their needs. Instead, they act out (like when they need to pee but are shy to tell us.)

We have a couple of strategies in place to prevent tantrums caused by unmet needs:

  • Have a few healthy snacks on hand
  • Make up for missed sleep
  • Have a strict “pee before we leave the house” policy

Of course, this doesn’t mean that there aren’t any mishaps. But at least we’re doing our best to prevent unnecessary stress for everyone in the family.

2. They Are Afraid
Children have fears that they grow out of in time (like monsters or men with beards). These are usually caused by something they have seen, read or heard, and can cause them to act out. When this type of thing happens in our family, our strategy is always to have a conversation around it. First, we try to identify the fear. Then, we do our best to dismantle it.

One of the essential things about addressing tantrums caused by fear is that we have to stop ourselves from dismissing our children’s fears. Yes, they may seem irrational to us. But, for a child, they can be perfectly reasonable.

3. School-Related Stress
One of the more recent episodes in our household just happened to be around my oldest’s exams. At first, I was baffled as to why he would be acting so uncharacteristically. Then, it turned out that his behavior was stress-related.

Children who are ambitious and want to do well in school often get very stressed out about their exams. This, in turn, will cause them to act out at some point. However, they may not even be able to identify exam stress as the cause of their mood. They’ll just know what they feel like without realizing the reason behind their feelings.

When exam season approaches, we’ve found that the best thing to do is attempt to relieve some of the stress our child is experiencing. We try to give him his space, accept that he may have a shorter fuse and try not to add fuel to the fire by asking too many questions about his study habits.

4. Not Understanding Limitations 
With our younger child, the cause of his tantrums rarely seemed to be that he was sleepy or stressed or afraid. Rather, it was that he had to understand the logic behind everything. And if he didn’t, he just wouldn’t obey, and he’d carry on doing his own thing.

With him, our main method of fixing the problems relied on “learning lessons.” If he wanted to do something, it was never enough just to say no. We had to explain the logic behind our rules in a way he could accept.

So the reason for not being allowed to eat chocolate after bedtime wasn’t that mom and dad said so—it was that he had already brushed his teeth and eating food could lead to tooth decay and (potentially) painful visits to the dentist.

5. Being Overcontrolled 
Finally, when our kids throw tantrums or act out, it’s not a bad idea to reflect on whether their behavior is caused by something we’re doing as parents.

Children who feel they are being controlled too much and have no way to assert themselves will often act out. And we parents often run a very tight ship. Or we may simply be imposing expectations that are too high for our kids. When this is the case, they might decide that lying or hiding certain behaviors is the best course of action.

If we find that we are a bit too strict, it’s completely fine to loosen up a bit. After all, perfection is impossible. And expecting it from our children is unfair and stressful—both to them and to us.

Children will be children, and they will naturally act out to test their boundaries and to learn more about life. When they do, attempt to work out the underlying cause of their behavior. Then work on that, as opposed to fixing the mere superficial behaviors.

RELATED STORIES:
Please Don’t Apologize When Your Kid Throws a Tantrum
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Holly Schaeffer is a long-time writer focusing on health, lifest‌yle, and home improvement. Originally from New Jersey, she moved to California to pursue a degree in creative writing. She now spends her days split between writing and raising her two young sons.

For new parents, celebrating a child’s first birthday is huge. You made it through a year with no sleep, spit-up stained shirts, and forgetting to brush your hair before leaving the house. It’s time to celebrate, but you’ll need to treat your child’s first birthday differently than others for it to be successful.

First and second birthday parties are in a category all their own, because your little one is not likely to understand or participate in much. Your baby may even be put off by the noise and extra people in your home.

Budget-wise, I went all out for my twins’ first birthday party. Here are a few things I’m glad I did, and a few I wish I knew.

1. Nap > Party.
Plan. the. party. around. the. nap. I can’t stress this one enough. Maybe 10 a.m. doesn’t seem like the perfect party time to you, but for this party, it is. Your guests will have to be flexible, but don’t worry—your comrades in parenting will understand. If your child gets tired and cranky during their party, you’ll need to nix the timeline and get creative.​

My twins were at the end of their ropes by the time presents came around, so we let them open one each (which they weren’t very interested in, anyway) and then put them down for a nap. We opened the rest and got rid of all the packaging—like choky twist ties—before they got up.

2. Keep it Short.
The vast majority of one-year-olds are not up for a marathon event, and you probably won’t be, either. Keep your party short and sweet, two hours or less. Your adult friends can always hang out for the after-party once the kiddos are napping or in bed.

3. Take Photos before Guests Arrive.
Plan for your photographer to arrive 30-60 minutes before the party, but after everything is set up. I suggest starting with family and kid photos first, before spit-up and spilled drinks happen, and while everyone is still in a good mood. Then, your photographer can photograph all of the party details you’ve worked so hard on before your little one(s) and their guests enjoy them.

4. Take off the Pressure.
Give yourself a break. It’s hard to do anything on top of parenting a one-year-old. Plan things you know will be easy for you to do, or assign them to someone else. One thing I’ve learned from working in the event industry is that most guests will never notice all of the things that “went wrong” at an event. If something is causing you stress, leave it out.

I wish I had done a better job of this at my twins’ first birthday party because I was running around town like a chicken with my head cut off the morning of the party and getting snippy with my relatives—not fun for anyone.

5. Give Opportunities for Quiet Time.
New objects in the house, new people, new sounds…a first birthday party can be pretty overwhelming when you’re one year old. Even if your child doesn’t need a full nap during the party, they may need a break from the stimulation. Designate a quiet place for young kids to relax. This is also a good space for diaper changes and nursing if you are inviting other parents of babies.

6. Smash a Cupcake.
Smash cakes are all the rage in recent years. But if you have ever purchased a cake from a professional bakery (not talking about Target, even though I love Target), let me warn you, they are expensive. I purchased a 10″ round for my twins’ first birthday party and spent over $100. There was no way I was going to buy two additional cakes for my kids to smash, so I had the bakery whip up a couple of cupcakes instead.

I was especially glad I made this decision when both twins didn’t know what to do with the cupcakes and poked at them for about 15 minutes before finally eating the frosting and leaving the cake. Money saved and less wasted food = win/win.

7. Get Help.
Raising a child takes a village, right? And on your child’s first birthday, you will be doing all of the regular child-raising activities plus hosting a super awesome birthday party. Invite friends and family over the morning of your party or even the night before for any last-minute tasks like furniture rearranging, balloon inflating, gift wrapping, or crafting. Bonus if you throw in wine for your helpers at night or coffee in the a.m.

8. Safety First.
A lot of party decorations include elements that are not safe for one-year-olds. This could include small items, pointy pieces, or anything with glitter that can be rubbed off and rubbed into their eyes. Also, think about things like tablecloths that can be grabbed and pulled down along with everything on top of them. If you really want to use some of these things, set them up for your photos and keep the baby in another room. Then, take them away until you’re ready to use them or hand them out.

9. Don’t Splurge on Entertainment.
Clowns, magicians, and princesses are expensive to hire. Chances are, at one year old, your child will be indifferent to them, or even scared of the makeup and costumes.

This post originally appeared on Petite Fete Blog.

I am a blogger, event planner and freelance copy editor, but most of all, I am a mother and a household manager. My family lives in vibrant Fort Collins, Colorado. I am Mom to twin girls and full-time Bonus Mom to one 10-year-old daughter. I love to be creative and inspire others.

Just when you think you have this baby thing under control…the teething starts. Those little chompers can be painful coming in and options for relief are limited for little ones. We’ve got your back with a solid #momhack to ease your baby’s discomfort and, hopefully, give you a bit more sleep.

Teething has more symptoms than sleep-deprived parents and cranky babies, like gum pain and minor digestive disorders. Camilia® is your one-stop teething shop and safely handles all teething symptoms for babies one month and older. Read on for the five reasons why Camilia Teething Liquid Doses are the help you need now.

Red Tricycle readers can get a coupon to save $2 on Camilia Teething Liquid Doses at Walmart! Get Your Coupon

1. Easy

With Camilia Teething Liquid Doses, forget about fussing with syringes or searching for little dosing cups at 2 a.m. (we’ve been there). Snap off one single dose, twist to open and squeeze the pre-measured treatment directly into your baby’s mouth. This tiny amount (0.034 fl oz to be exact) of liquid does the rest. It’s tasteless and clear in color, so no mess. It’s fool-proof, even in the middle of the night.

These single-use capsules make Camilia Teething Liquid Doses sterile and hygienic, plus ideal for families with multiple teethers. Pop some in your diaper bag or pocket, these small but mighty doses are perfect on the go.

2. Natural

Unlike traditional pain medication, Camilia Teething Liquid Doses are water-based and made with plant-based active ingredients, including chamomile, and are free of benzocaine, flavors, dyes, lactose, sugar and artificial sweeteners—all of that stuff you don’t want. The self-contained individual doses eliminate the need for a preservative, so none of those either!

3. Trusted

Camilia has been soothing babies for 25 years and is a Mom’s Choice Awards winner and recipient of the Parent-Tested, Parent Approved seal of approval. Camilia Teething Liquid Doses are made by Boiron, the world leader in homeopathic medicine, so you can rest assured these are the real deal.

4. Worry-Free

It’s like they thought of everything! Because there’s no numbing agent, there’s no risk of numbing the baby’s gag reflex or latch ability. With no numbing, Camilia Teething Liquid Doses also won’t mask symptoms that could be a sign of a more serious health problem. You don’t need to know your baby’s weight for dosing or struggle to rub medicine onto your baby’s sore gums, plus their plastic applicator is BPA-free. 

5. Widely Available

You can find Camilia Teething Liquid Doses at a variety of stores near you, including Walmart. We love a deal: Red Tricycle readers can get a coupon to save $2 on Camilia Teething Liquid Doses at Walmart! Get Your Coupon 

Now that you’re in on this brilliant #momhack, pass it on!

Disclaimer: Claims based on traditional homeopathic practice, not accepted medical evidence. Not FDA evaluated.

 

–Jamie Aderski

If you feel like you want to kill your business/life partner sometimes, you’re not alone. This article will help.

Any entrepreneur will tell you there’s a special form of pressure on your shoulders when your business is responsible for your family’s well-being. That pressure only grows as you add more employees who need to provide for their families, too. In the age of COVID-19, the weight of that responsibility is almost suffocating…and when work-life and home-life are one and the same, that feeling can bubble over on your partner, your team, and your kids, all at once.

Hey, buddy, I know this is hard. We’re all finding ways to hide from our families a few times a week, at least. But you’re the boss of your business and your family for a reason, and it’s because you’ve got mad skills in leadership, conflict resolution, grace under fire, diplomacy, and more. So take a beat, take a breath, acknowledge those big feelings, and let the challenge fuel you like it always has. I can’t promise you a light at the end of the tunnel, but I promise if you follow these steps, you’ll at least get through tomorrow.

1. Deliver fast sorries. We’re all gonna snap, so let’s just accept that piece of humanity now, rather than beating ourselves up over it. In the book, Option B, Sheryl Sandberg and Adam Grant talk about how having empathy for others in your family and immediately recognizing when you’ve crossed a line, can help us all move on. We’ve instituted this practice in our house—so when one of us blows up, we can say, “Whew….fast sorries?” and do our best to let it go and move on.

2. Believe in your partner. By simply believing the best in your partner, you’ll fight at least 50-percent less. Seriously. Our relationship, our family, our business…none of it’s a zero-sum game. When you’re in a family business you have to remember you’re doing all of this for each other. Try writing down one thing about your partner you’re grateful for in business and in your household—when you wake up and before you go to bed. And if you think it sounds impossible, try it right now. I guarantee there’s something.

3. Over-communicate. Right now, the current environment changes so much day to day, in business and in life. If you’ve instituted a daily standup meeting at work to combat this, it only makes sense to have one for the family, too. Who has a Zoom meeting the kids can’t join? Who’s making lunches today? How many episodes of StoryBots is too many? Run down the list and make sure you’re on the same page about who’s leading what.

4. Be aware of your own feelings. Ok here’s the touchy-feely one. When I’m already stressed and one of the kids loses it, I’m more likely to lose it, too. Sometimes, I really need to tag in my partner for help. But 9 times out of ten, if I can force myself to take a breath, I realize that I’m not reacting to them, I’m reacting to my own stress which can diffuse the situation. And just like your cranky toddler, sometimes simply acknowledging the feeling calms me down.

5. Acknowledge your success. Is your business still in business? Amazing! Are your kids relatively well-adjusted? You’re the best parents ever! Chances are, you’re operating at about 50-percent of your usual octane at work and home, so you’ve got to adjust your expectations for greatness. Maybe you’re not growing at that 300-percent you’ve planned for, but if you’re managing to stay afloat at work and home right now, you’ve got to high five yourself—and your partner. Remember, you wouldn’t be here if you weren’t in this together.

My partner and I have been operating our family-run business together for over five years. In that time, our family has grown right alongside the biz. We’ve added two hilarious, adventurous kids to our brood, and (over 70) employees, to our team. Our business is the center of it all, and the lifeblood of our family. Right now, the business is (thankfully) booming but massively challenging, and as a family, we hit our bumps in the road, as everyone does. But ya know what? We’re gonna make it through this.

So keep doing your best—I promise, it’s enough. And in the meantime, just savor that five minutes of alone time you get around 11 p.m. every night like a fine wine. It’s frickin’ gold.

 

My partner-in-life and business, Mike, and I own and operate No Evil Foods, a vegan meat company. Just as our business has grown, so has our family, with two hilarious, adventurous (and exhausting) kids added to the mix — enter our four-year-old son, Elan, and 18-month-old daughter, Artemis.

It’s that time of year again: Daylight Saving. On Sunday, we will set our clocks forward one hour and a new study from Carter’s has revealed findings on just how parents feel about the time change.

Not surprising, the study found that 37 percent of parents dread Daylight Saving, with more than 25 percent saying that they would “rather take a long car trip or flight with their children than deal with the time change.” Keep reading to see what else the study discovered.

photo: iStock

Carter’s study discovered that more than half of the parents surveyed agree that they are more affected by the time change than before they had kids, and 47 percent of those with babies six to eleven months old actually dread the impending time of year.

Forty four percent of parents describe their kiddos as “cranky” because of Daylight Saving and almost half of moms surveyed said they feel grouchy. Moms also shared they feel like they need to drink more coffee to get by, have lost a handle on bedtime, have “mom-nesia” and have general feelings of zombiness.

A last finding revealed that 48 percent of parents would love a “magic recipe” to help handle Daylight Saving if they could. Are any of these findings really a surprise to parents who’ve been there, done that? Probably not, but they do remind us that we aren’t alone.

––Karly Wood

 

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When it comes to summer camp planning, you’re usually juggling schedules and signing up way in advance. When the big first day of camp finally arrives, make sure you’re prepared with a few simple steps brought to you by moms just like you, who have been there, done that and made it through. Read on for our top summer camp prep tips any parent can use.

1. Stock up on supplies.

iStock

You’ll need extra Band-Aids on hand, bug spray and sunscreen. Plenty of sunscreen. Find the best brand and buy two, because most camps where kids are outdoors will want you to send a sunscreen and often bug repellant with your kiddo. To help your kiddos apply the sunscreen to their faces effectively, consider a stick lick this one. Great for little noses. 

2. Label everything.

school labels
Name Bubbles

Do yourself a solid and order some preprinted, peel and stick labels like these ones. Then stick them on everything: hats, water bottles, sunscreen, even lip balm. Don’t assume your kid will keep track of everything even if they do a good job of it during the school year. It’s summer camp. All bets are off.

3. Be prepared for the aftercamp affect.

iStock

Just like after school, kids that finish a day of summer camp are usually hungry when you pick them up. Keep some post-camp snacks in your car or backpack for pickup. Be aware that kids are often tired, emotional or even cranky after the first few days of camp. Having a cold fresh bottle of water and their favorite tunes to play can help them decompress from a day jam-packed with sensory processing.

4. Do a dry run. Then add 15 minutes to it.

Pexels

Unless your kiddo's summer camp is at the same location as their school, try out the commute before the first day. Time yourself to see how long it will take, and don't forget to factor in things like the pick-up line or a crowded parking lot. Many camps also require a parent to sign or check-in and check out their child each day. 

5. Order more than one camp shirt.

IStock

If your camp has cute, brightly colored shirts it's worth ordering more than one so you aren't constantly washing them every night. Kids get next-level grubby at summer camps, so this is a mom hack that will save you time. 

6. Dress for success.

iStock

As previously mentioned, kids don't stay clean at summer camp so don't send them in their best clothes. Easy on/off pants or shorts for quick bathroom breaks are an essential since kids won't always know the layout of the place, especially on the first day. That being said, accidents happen, so pack a complete change of clothes for your kid in their pack each day. We suggest a large Ziplock bag that you can label with your child's name, which can double as a dry-bag for any wet or muddy clothes that get sent home. 

7. Update your emergency contact list.

energepic via Pexels

Take into consideration vacations and work schedules in the summer, and update your just-in-case contacts accordingly. If it's usually your best mom friend but you know they'll be out of town two out of the three weeks your kid is in camp, designate an alternative. 

—Amber Guetebier

featured image: Anny Patterson via Pexels 

RELATED STORIES 

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Water Safety Tips from the Great Wolf Lodge 

Parental duties never end, but nightmares—like your child’s dental visits—are always a good learning opportunity. If you haven’t yet figured out the logistics of getting your little one through those hair-raising moments, fear not. Perhaps some tips that begin at home will set you on the right track. 

1. Don’t let them smell the fear. This is one hard-and-fast rule that applies to anybody, from adult humans to animals. Children definitely figure on this list. If you are terrified of the dentist or have had unpleasant dental experiences in the past, chances are you’re going to let it slip at home. The moment your child picks up on this, you can bank on them being scared of the unknown factor that goes by the moniker of ‘dentist.’ Never let your child know about your fear. Try making it sound like a good thing. Allow your kid to experience their first dental visit without the shadow of your dental trials clouding their appointment. 

2. Prepare the young ones right from the start. If you begin a good oral hygiene routine early, chances are your pediatric dentist will have nothing to do but compliment your efforts and let you off easy. Start by massaging the gums with a soft cloth before 6 months of age. Once the teeth start coming in, use a toothbrush and continue brushing your child’s teeth for them until they can do it themselves. Allow them to watch you brushing so they pick up the pattern and don’t miss any spots. 

Diet-wise, make sure to avoid the sugary stuff, particularly before bedtime. If they’re breast or bottle feeding, take care that milk doesn’t pool in the mouth. Introduce healthy, fibrous foods into their diets as they grow older. 

3. Prepare yourself. Although preparing your child is an important consideration, another facet is how well-prepared you are. With infants, the whole process depends on you. Ideally, a child’s first dental visit should be between 6 months to 1 year of age. This is an age when you cannot explain anything to them and the whole dental visit depends on you and your good luck. With children that young, you’ll have to sit in the dental chair yourself and hold your child in your lap. Relax as much as possible and try reassuring your child through your own special signals that they can pick up on.

With slightly older children, you can expect tantrums but prepare to be firm and supportive at the same time. Do not warn them not to cry beforehand, because this will automatically create the impression that they have something to fear. Instead, act like it’s just a regular visit. A casual, laid-back approach with an emphasis on taking care of their teeth, and brushing before the appointment, will convey just the right attitude. 

Another detail to remember is that, as a parent, you may be anxious about your child. However, be sure not to translate this in your gestures, as you may simply be presenting them with an opportunity to take advantage of your fear, throw tantrums, or make the visit doubly difficult. Offer all your support while keeping your fears at bay. Discuss any concerns you may have with your dentist, preferably out of the hearing range of your child. 

4. Don’t let other people’s stories determine how your appointment will go. Remember that, while other parents may be able to give you good tips with references to their own experiences, each child is different with individual concerns. What works for one child may not work for another, and what applies to one may not apply to another. Telling your child to behave a certain way or to expect a certain thing puts additional pressure on them and may create an illusion of a right which may be completely wrong in their case. This applies to you as well, because parental expectations and behavior matters. 

5. The dentist is not the big, bad monster. We are all guilty of this one. When you want your child to behave, you scare them with monsters and doctor’s needles. Maybe you threaten them with a visit to the dentist if they don’t take care of their teeth. Inadvertently, though, you create an irrational fear of the dentist when you do this. Children are not born with a fear of doctors or dentists. Unthinking comments on pain, injections, and other scary threats lead them to believe that they have a reason for fear. Always try to make the dentist sound like the good guy.

Right from the time they are old enough to understand, avoid phrasing dental or doctor’s appointments in scary terms. Instead, try presenting it in a positive light. 

6. Scheduling your appointment at the optimal time. Your child is a lot less likely to be cranky if you schedule an appointment in the daytime; preferably morning. A dental visit at the end of a tiring day, particularly for children, is daunting for everyone—from your child to the dentist, and even you. 

Also, remember to be on time. Running late will also have tempers running high, time running low, and a less-than-satisfactory appointment. 

7. Strike the right balance. Try to be open to the possibilities that your child’s dentist suggests in terms of treatment. Do not cling to your child or allow them to cling to you if they are old enough to understand. With young children between infancy to 4 years of age, it’s best to make sure you are there within sight or holding their hands. Avoid flinching, gesturing, or talking to the dentist using terms that convey anxiety to your child. 

Dr. Sonal Bhoot is the founder of Dental Expressions Lee’s Summit. She has over 15 years of dental experience and received her doctorate in Dental Medicine. (DMD) in 2003 from the New Jersey Dental School. Dr. Bhoot has certifications and proficiencies in cosmetic dentistry, CEREC training, Invisalign, endodontics, Oral Surgery

Oh, hello weekend. Parenting had us on our toes this week and we can’t help but look forward to two semi-blissful days of no obligations. If you’ve had a crazy week, then you’ll enjoy sitting back with our freshest batch of hilarious tweets that are all about the joy of raising kiddos.

 

1. No, it was not.

2. New superhero name!

3. Oh yes, they should!

4. It’s going to be amazing.

5. 🙄

6. Preggo probs.

7. Every mom. EVER.

8. Whoops.

9. Or does it?

https://twitter.com/fakeadultmom/status/1131515036940296197

10. Truth.

––Karly Wood

 

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