Fall Back can send your baby’s sleep schedule into a free fall, but these tips will help you weather the storm
Looking on the bright side is a smart way to weather the wild ride of infancy. This applies to everything from blowouts (a chance to wear another outfit before baby outgrows it!) to the arrival of Daylight Saving Time, also known as National Mess-with-Your-Baby’s-Sleep-Schedule Time.
In the case of fall back (this Sunday, November 5), you have an hour less of sunlight at the end of each day, so it’s a bit harder to find the bright side. But parents know it takes some effort to see the bi-annual shuffle in a good light. With these parent-tested tips for helping baby adjust to Daylight Saving time, your child’s bedtime routine—and your sanity—can be saved.
Start Early
The best way to keep Daylight Saving Time from throwing your baby’s routine out of whack is by preparing for the change well before it hits. Successful approaches vary, but most experts suggest shifting baby’s bedtime by 15 minutes every day or two in the week or so leading up to the seasonal shift. So, if baby typically goes down around 7:30 p.m., shift bedtime forward in quarter-hour increments until you reach the “new” bedtime of 8:30, which, with the time change, will actually still be 7:30 p.m.—your child’s original bedtime.
To really make this work, you’ll want to adjust all of the day’s activities, including naps, meals, and morning wake times. “With fall back, the biggest setback tends to be early mornings,” says Amanda Jewson, sleep consultant and founder of Baby’s Best Sleep. “If your baby wakes at 5 a.m., try to delay feeds and light exposure to help train the body to wake at a later time.”
Use Light and Darkness
Light exposure has a direct influence on the body’s circadian rhythm (internal biological clock). Less light signals our body to become sleepy, while more light stimulates us to feel awake. If you’re pushing back baby’s bedtime, expose them to more natural light in the afternoon to help them stay away a bit longer. As their new bedtime hour approaches, it may already be dark outside which works to your advantage. If it’s not, close your blackout blinds (or, pro tip: attach double-sided adhesive Velcro tabs to your wall and to the back of your curtains, then press to seal the edges) to ensure that the room is pitch black when you put your baby down. In the morning, when the time is appropriate to start your day, Jewson says to throw open you blinds so baby’s body starts getting used to their new wake time.
Give It Time
Here’s the hard truth: Some babies are particularly sensitive to changes in their sleep schedule, and it can take two to four weeks for changes to really settle in, according to Jewson. So if your little one fails to get with the program at first, even after trying the above steps, hang in there. Within a week or two, their sleep schedule should catch up.
Roll with It
In the meantime, if you have a wee one who isn’t cooperating despite your best efforts, try to look on that bright side. If your babe used to go down at 7 p.m. but has temporarily shifted to 6 p.m., that probably means you can go to bed an hour earlier, too! Yes, you’ll probably be waking up an hour earlier in the morning, but think of it as a week of extra morning playtime and snuggles with your little one. “A go-with-the-flow attitude can help tremendously here,” stresses Jewson. After all, this won’t last forever. As they say, the hours surrounding DST may seem long, but the years really are short.
It seems like trampoline parks are popping up all over the Seattle area. And with each new opening, a parent smiles knowing their energetic kiddo has a brand new spot to bounce off the walls that’s not in the living room. Whether you and the kids are training to become the next American Ninja Warrior or just looking for a place to burn off some steam, these indoor adventure parks are a great afternoon outing for kids of all ages. Read on to find a new favorite indoor play spot.
With one of the best company names out there, Flying Squirrel Sports in Everett opened a few months ago. They call it a “spring-loaded, urban playground like you’ve never seen before,” and they're right. Beyond the wall-to-wall trampolines, families can challenge each other on the battle beam, dunk hoops together like they're pro ballers, spring off the air track, balance on the slack lines and generally get their bounce on. When you've worked up an appetite, swing by the Drey Bar and Café where you'll find a full menu of pizza (including gluten-free), drinks and treats. We love that there's a special spot for tots here (and pricing too). Littles will spend hours climbing, jumping and rolling around toddler soft play park. One thing is for sure, they'll nap after a visit to this new venue.
Park perk: If the kids need a change of pace, check out the on-site indoor mini golf course and arcade.
Another new kid on the block, Catapult Adventure Park might be the grand daddy of all on our list. This mega-size location offers 18 different experiences, some that are familiar and some that are totally new. Inflatables are the name of the game here with everything from the Launch Zone to the Ninja Cat Course to Mt. Catapult and the Leaping Leopard. But you'll also find ball pits, tornado twirls and oversized slides that set this park apart. We're loving Tube-Topia that mixes everything you love about winter tubing but without the snow. Rock climbing walls, zip lines and open courts that invite everyone to jump will tire the kids out whenever you visit. They'll be bouncing from one spot to the next. All you have to do is keep up.
Park perk: Fuel up with pizzas, wings, cheesy bread sticks or sweets on site.
Good to know: There are some height restriction on a few of the attractions. Kids must be at least 42" tall to try the Cat Walk, Cliffhanger, Tube-Topia and Flying Leopard. Also there's an $8 spectator fee if you don't want to jump but still need to hang with the kids.
35025 Enchanted Pkwy. S. Federal Way, WA 98003 253-517-5853 Online:catapultfederalway.com
The Air House Adventure Park
The Air House
The Air House begins with a main court featuring 2,000 feet of trampolines and thousands more fun activities. Activities range from bouldering walls and a laser tag arena to your favorite trampoline park regulars. You’ll also finds log rolls, jousting on the battle beams, a racing zip line and the Valo Jump (think Dance Dance Revolution meets trampoline park). We know your kids will be most impressed (and challenged by) the Wipeout. Inspired from the hit TV obstacle course series of the same name, kids will fall over laughing trying to avoid being knocked off this spot. While walk-ins are welcome, we recommend that you purchase tickets ahead of time. Groups are allowed to play every 15 minutes. Sorry, no outside food can be brought inside, but don't worry, the GrubHouse offers 12” pizzas, sandwiches, hot dogs, fish and chips, mac and cheese and more to satiate hungry tummies.
Park perk: The Softplay area designed for kids 48" and under. It's a multi-level climbing structure where kids can play safely under a parent's watchful eye.
Cost: $8-$30 (Airhouse grip socks are required and are sold separately.) Hours: Wed.-Thu., 5-8 p.m.; Fri., 4-9 p.m., Sat., 10 a.m.-9 p.m.; Sun., noon-6 p.m.
1101 Outlet Collection Way, #1275 Auburn, WA 98002 253-943-6770 Online:auburn.theairhouse.com
DEFY has taken over Seattle with four locations and a keen eye for planning. These exciting trampoline parks cater to the young and the young at heart (trust us). While each spot has its own unique flair and wicked wall art, families can always count on a fantastic array of trampolines, including wall tramps, air tracks and dodgeball courts. Skills are at the center of each location too. So whether you're working on your ninja skills or your aerial trick skills, kids will find what they need here in the form of launch pads, trapeze bars and cloud swings. Your kids will have a blast trying new circus tricks at every unique play station. Think this park is just for big kids? Think again, check the calendar for Kids Jump, where Littles ages 6 and under get the whole park to themselves so they can bounce without worrying, and so can you.
Park perk: DEFY Nights are a great way to add a little flair to your typical evening routine. Blacklights shine a whole new light on the jumping experience after dark.
Cost: $13-$26
DEFY Seattle 455 Andover Park E. Tukwila, WA 98188 425-669-9707
One of Seattle's OG trampoline parks, Bothell's Elevated Sportz has been entertaining families since they opened almost a decade ago. When it's raining outside, or your kids just need a change of scenery, bring them here to experience 10,000 sq. ft. of trampolines, dodgeball courts, foam pits and ninja courses. While we know the Littles will swoon over the Kidz Adventure play area, rumor has it, big kids love this spot too. It's four stories of ball pits, slides, tunnels, bridge and mazes that'll keep them climbing all afternoon. The great thing about this park is its variety. Kids can choose trampolines, Kidz Adventure or a combo of both, depending on your kiddo's age and the time you've got to play. The park’s iJump Café is also elevated from others, offering a large menu of sharable snacks, burgers, quesadillas, salads and more.
Park perk: For a new twist, try the Laser Maze (starting at $3 for one mission). It's a chance for kids to play spy (or maybe ninja?) as they work their way through the dense laser forest. Will they have the wit and speed to get through in time? You'll have to play to find out.
In our ever-changing world, Vertex Arena wants to be a beacon of hope. A place that connects kids through the power of play, offering a space that is appealing to the eye, whether you are five or 55. Located in Redmond, Vertex Arena offers a little bit of everything with their mix of indoor trampoline park attractions. You'll find lots of trampolines, sure, but you'll also find air basketball, battle beams and a ninja course to tackle (some of these attractions have height restrictions). Big kids can try their hand at Nerf Tag (ages 8 & up) or Arrow Tag (ages 12 & up), while most kids can enjoy the head-to-head-competition of dodgeball (ages 5 & up). The Sideline Social Restaurant and Bar offers a full menu (probably the best on our list) of appetizers, sliders, chicken wings, salads, pizza, cheeseburgers, chicken strips, fish and chips and fantastic-sounding desserts.
Park perk: Check out the new pinball and arcade center that recently opened.
10700 231st Way N.E., #100 Redmond, WA 98053 425-728-7298 Online:vertexarena.com
Pump It Up
In Kirkland, Pump It Up is known as the original indoor inflatable party venue. Although you won’t find traditional trampolines here, there are still plenty of obstacles to climb in, jump on, slide down and generally bounce around on. In fact, when it comes to bouncing around with younger kids, this venue is one of the best. Both the Kirkland and Lynnwood locations are currently offering Pre-K jump sessions for preschoolers and toddlers. And kids of all ages get a kick out of the All Ages Open Jumps. Hours for both vary by location and change weekly. The upside? They're both taking online reservations, so you can plan ahead for an afternoon of off the wall fun with your stir crazy crew. Psst... Family Jump Night is back at both locations. Check the online schedules to plan your next family outing.
Park perk: Pump It Up has long been a reliable indoor birthday party spot for kids. Both locations offer birthday party packages for 10-25 kids, and are available every day from 8 a.m.-9 p.m. Prices start at $240 for 10 kids. What could be easier?
Cost: $8-$10 Hours: vary by location and week
11605 N.E. 116th St. Kirkland, WA 98034 425-820-2297 Online:pumpitupparty.com
18027 Highway 99, Suite J Lynnwood, WA 98037 425-774-2297 Online:pumpitupparty.com
Good to Know:
1. Currently, everyone over the age of five is being asked to wear a mask. Don’t leave home without it.
2. Socks are required at all locations. Left them at home? You can buy a pair at the park.
3. Many of these trampoline parks require signed waivers for kids to play, and most have an online option so you can sign before you’re even through the door. It’s a great way to save time when your kids are anxious to play.
4. Most venues offer membership packages that could save your family a heap of cash if you think multiple visits are in your future.
5. Every location on this list offers birthday party packages. So if an indoor birthday bash is on your kiddo’s wish list, any of these spots will be happy to help.
Whether you’re a busy parent with lots of activities on your plate or a teen with your own school schedule to think about, back-to-school season has definitely kicked everyone’s organizational skills into high gear once more. School nights may begin to feel hectic again—between the homework, planning for the next day, and trying to fit some rest in there somewhere.
However, you can form a regimen that gets these priorities down pat. Here are a few tips you can use to simplify your school nights so they run as smoothly as possible.
1. Establish Your Own Bedtime Routine
Having a bedtime routine can be more helpful than you think—especially when that routine includes an actual bedtime. Having a bedtime, no matter how old you are, can help you fall asleep faster and easier so you can get enough sleep each night. That means even after you tuck the kiddos in for the night, you might need your own bedtime and wind-down routine.
2. No Caffeine After School
This one might be a little tough to get used to at first, but it goes hand in hand with getting a good night’s rest. Although caffeine can be a great study aid and pick-me-up, having caffeine after 2:00 p.m. can make it more difficult to get to sleep come nightfall. It’s best to leave the coffee for the morning and stick to non-caffeinated beverages after school.
3. Make Lunches Ahead of Time
Part of simplifying your school nights is prepping for the morning so you don’t need to wake up at a ridiculous hour to be ready for the day ahead. One of the best ways to do this is to pack a lunch ahead of time so you can refrigerate it and grab it to go when the morning comes. This can also make it much easier to create nutritious, balanced dishes with protein, fruits, and vegetables.
4. Tackle Homework First Thing
Doing homework after a long day of school can sometimes feel like the biggest task in the world, but the task can feel even more looming when you leave it for the end of the night. If possible, it can be a great idea to use the momentum from the school day to tackle homework first thing so you have the rest of the night to enjoy family time. If your kiddos are still at the age where you need to help them with homework, you can encourage this even more as a habit they can take with them as they grow.
5. Pick Out the Next Day’s Clothes
Much like packing lunch the night before, picking your outfits and the kids’ outfits before bed can simplify the morning. In fact, it’s actually said to help you make more informed decisions when you choose your clothing at this time of day. This removes a step from your morning routine and helps the a.m. go more smoothly.
6. Leave the Shower for the Morning
You might be asking yourself, what can you leave out from your nighttime routine and actually let go for the morning? Well, your daily shower is definitely one of those things! Plenty of people shower in the morning, and it can even help you feel a bit more refreshed and awake. Even if you leave showering or bathtime for the kiddos at night, you can leave your showers for the morning to cut down on tasks for school nights.
7. Mimic Your Schedule on Weekends If Possible
Although the weekends are for fun and relaxation, it can never hurt to stick to a routine that works for you. Especially when it comes to things like bedtimes and evening routines, letting your kids go wild on the weekends can lead to difficult adjustments back on Monday. Try going with a relaxed but still reasonable schedule for weekends so your kids don’t get too thrown off their sleeping routines.
8. Give Yourself Some Downtime
No matter how many activities you can manage to pack into your evening routine, one of the most important things to give yourself, your kiddos, and your family is some downtime. Everyone needs rest, and if you’re looking to bring simplicity to your school nights, look no further than giving yourself a bit of downtime you all could enjoy. Bonus points if you can put the screens away and relax tech-free!
School nights don’t have to be stressful. In fact, when you get into a routine that you like and take the time to relax that you and your family deserve, you can create a great experience that lasts the whole school year and beyond.
Kara Reynolds is the Editor-in-Chief and founder of Momish Magazine. A mom of four and matriarch to her big blended family, Kara wants nothing more than to normalize differences in family structures. She enjoys peeing alone, pancakes, and pinot noir - but not at the same time.
In the midst of special needs, and speaking for us specifically, autism, there are many events that you lose that you thought you’d know. This week we were reminded, yet again, of just that. Beckett finished his busy day of school and therapy, and settled into his evening routine in his safe space, at home. We’re big on veggie straws around here, so he grabbed his “talker” and requested them by pressing the “chips” button. Now as parents often do (shocking, I know), my hands were full. washing dishes, and cleaning counters, etc and my response to his request wasn’t instant. Mom life. But this child of mine looked up at me, irritated in true 5-year-old fashion, and I noticed a larger gap between two teeth. I pulled in a gasp, and reached for his little chin. Yep. Sure enough, my littlest love lost his first tooth. No idea when or even where. All I know is sometime that same day it popped right out.
Some may be thinking, “It’s a tooth. We all lose them.” But my heart aches a bit. It’s not just about the tooth. It’s about the loss of the adventure. The celebration. The enjoyment. Autism ultimately robbed us of the experience of this “first.” Of so many. Whether it would be a big deal to my child or not, it is to me. We don’t know where his tooth went. If it’s laying around in the car, or here at home, or even school. We don’t know if he swallowed it. Or if he even noticed it was loose, or now missing. Which then erases the opportunity to really celebrate with the “tooth fairy.”
For us now, there’s no cute letters to be written. Or “glitter trails.” Or money exchange. Because our son doesn’t have a care in the world for what “it means.” What it represents. He has no want or need for currency. The concept is too abstract right now. And that in itself, I suppose, is a small blessing in disguise. Because his wants are simple these days. Joy is sprung from the “little things.”
Something as simple as plastic spoons are the current fascination. And it’s nothing short of adorable. But the majority of the sadness, for me, comes from my boy not even noticing the change. He doesn’t know just how big he’s getting. How right before our eyes, he’s growing up, at the speed of light. And though it makes my heart sing, with each passing milestone, I can’t help but mourn. I mourn the loss of the “norms” we thought we would celebrate. Like the over-the-top excitement surrounding trick-or-treating, or opening holiday gifts, or the “Tooth Fairy” retrieving baby teeth.
But as time passes, I can’t help but be grateful for my boy’s demeanor. His heart. His joy for life. No matter what day it is on the calendar, or what change comes about for him, he’s my happy boy. And I think that’s going to be more than enough. That makes for a truly beautiful life.
BriAnna is a stay-at-home mom to her Disney loving, son Beckett (5), and wife to her Navy Veteran husband, Cameron. Beckett is Autistic and non-verbal, so BriAnna created her page, "To Infinity & Beyond Words" to shine a light of love on their world of special needs.
Their family of three call Nebraska home, and call themselves blessed.
Our series, Family Tales, is an honest peek into the daily lives of families across the country who are on this crazy ride we call parenthood! From divulging childcare costs to breaking down family finances to managing a virtual school year with multiple kids, we tap into the Red Tricycle army of parents to find out how they’re making it work. This series is a judgment-free zone.
Interested in telling your story? Start by filling out our questionnaire here. All stories are anonymous.
The Stark Reality Behind Hybrid Learning in New York City
Name and occupation: Mimi O’Connor, NYC Editor, Red Tricycle
Spouse occupation: Television producer
City: Brooklyn, NY
Grade my kid is in: Third Grade
School set-up in 2020: My daughter attends an NYC public school in Brooklyn. NYC is the only major public school system to attempt a (daunting) mix of in-person and remote (i.e. virtual) learning, dubbed “hybrid.”
When I think about the beginning of the 2020/2021 school year in New York City, a few adages come to mind. For example, “If you don’t like the weather [insert location], wait five minutes,” or “If you want to make god laugh, just tell him your plans.” Also, “OMG WTF I’m losing my mind.” Not only is the situation challenging, the challenging situation keeps changing—the start date, the revised start date, what remote learning looks like., etc.
I believe our school and teachers are doing the best they can and there are other forces at work, but it’s also impossible to plan and the chaos has taken its toll on parents throughout NYC.
Right now, our school week has been a melange of remote-school with some synchronous learning, in-person school and a trial day of a learning pod we’ve been hoping to get together. (It’s been slow-going due to struggles in finding a teacher, navigating differences in priorities and budgets, but we’re making progress.)
Mimi O’Connor
Giving Hybrid a Whirl
Our experience with remote learning in the spring moved us solidly into the option with some in-person teaching, as we found ourselves in an unsustainable place of managing/coaxing/yelling at our daughter about assignments and too much Minecraft—the last of which she’d never even played pre-pandemic. It sucked.
More to the point, our daughter is very social and clearly thrives on/needs the in-person feedback from teachers and fellow students alike. I’ve heard remote learning actually suited some children better, but that’s not our kid.
Are we worried about any of us getting sick? Sure, a bit. But we’re trying to be careful, have faith in our school and at this point are willing to take a calculated risk for the “normal” school experience our daughter has so desperately missed since March.
What Does Hybrid Mean, Exactly?
Better than me trying to to explain how often our daughter goes to in-person school, here’s the school’s “co-hort” schedule for October. (The long answer: on a three week-schedule, she attends every Thursday; on Week One she also attends Tuesday, on Week Two she also attends Monday. So yes, Week Three, she’s in person one day a week.)
Note: To try to set up any kind of learning pod, the kids had to be in the same co-hort, so they would be doing in-person or virtual learning on the same days. (One of our members had to request a switch, and the school was very responsive in making the switch.)
Mimi O’Connor
Waking Up and Getting Up Are Not the Same Thing In Our House
There’s a difference between waking up, and getting up, in our house. While I am often the last one to be conscious (7:30, 7:45 a.m?), my husband and daughter are usually awake before me. It’s not unusual for me to find her in her fancy new tent that she bought with Amazon gift cards watching something on her iPad, or for my husband to ease himself into the day perusing the headlines in bed.
I head down to make coffee—we have a quasi-commercial-grade “velocity brew” Bunn machine that we can prep the night before and makes a pot in about three minutes—and start rattling the cages to get her moving.
Whether I get dressed or not depends on if I’m taking her to school. Typically, I don’t shower, either because I’m sucked into my computer/work or because I have the idea that I’m going to work out later and will sweat so what’s the point. (Sometimes, it does happen, thanks to this slim little treadmill I love.)
Mimi O’Connor
And Now for Something Completely Different: “Real” School
The exciting days we walk to school, line up six-ish feet apart, our daughter gets her temperature checked and in she goes. There are eight kids in her in-person class. As it stands, she’ll go about five days a month, but not only is it good for her mental health, she gets a ton of attention from her two teachers when she is there. (We figure it’s like private school on steroids.)
I picked her up on the first day of in-person school, and while it was a little weird—the kids lined up six feet apart in the school yard—it was also triumphant. When asked how her first day was, my daughter said, “Interesting…” which quickly turned to “AMAZING!!!”
In recent days, our longtime babysitter picks her up and they head to the park, a hotbed of activity for the elementary set and beyond. (We so, so, appreciate this time now—outdoor, free play, with friends—and try to soak up as much as we can while the weather still allows.)
Mimi O’Connor
Remote & Close at Hand
On remote days, our daughter is set up in her room with a desk we had to convince her needed to be cleared off so that she had space to do her work. (It was piled high with graphic novels and the many doo-dads that a third grader accumulates.)
Her remote school day is a mix of “synchronous instruction” (live lessons from her teachers with classmates), followed by offline times for working on assignments connected to those lessons. There is also a morning meeting and closing meeting, and the hours mirror an in-person school day.
She has an Echo Dot in her bedroom—an impulse bargain buy of my husband’s on Prime day I think. We use it to schedule alarms for her different “synchronous learning” sessions throughout the day with teachers and her class, and she uses it to listen to music (the same five pop songs).
Whether she’s remote or in-person, my husband and I share a small office during the day, with one or the other dipping out to other rooms for Zoom meetings and conference calls as needed. We tag team on making lunch, depending on who is busy at that time.
Our daughter’s room is next door to the office, so we’re in tune with what she’s doing (or not doing). She also pops out to ask for help, guidance on how to spell a word, report on what she just finished, etc. (She also comes in demanding food, messing with us and generally distracting us. I can’t blame her, but it makes us considerably less productive and more frazzled than when she’s not here.)
Sometimes we prompt her to put in a little more effort—say, write more than one, phoned-in sentence for an answer, and generally this does not go well. (See: the importance of a teacher that’s not us, and her peers.)
Julie Chervinsky
Building a Pod: Not So Easy—or Cheap!
Which leads us to the pod. Parents around the country have been abuzz about pandemic learning pods, and those in New York City are no different. We’d established a very informal pandemic “bubble” by early-summer, doing some careful, masked, outdoor play dates with a couple of families so that the kids, who were clearly suffering, would not go insane.
The idea of returning to remote learning and experiencing a do-over of the spring was not an option, even if virtual learning would be more robust in the fall. Our small bubble pow-wowed about putting together a remote-day “pod”, brainstorming activities and possible outside solutions. Our goal is to have some kind on in-person support for the kids on remote days, helping them with both their class assignments, and, when possible, providing additional enrichment/mental stimulation.
We soon learned that prices ranged from costing a fortune ($10,000 per kid), to costing a smaller fortune ($35/hour/kid), to affordable for some, with a person who probably wasn’t up to providing the academic support we hoped for. (It seems like certified teachers were snapped up by the “pod-organizing services”, which charge a significant markup for their match-making.) Of course, we’re all well aware that having any additional funds to support kids’ learning in this time is a luxury. It does not feel great, but we’re doing it.
We didn’t need a lifer Golden Apple-award winner, and I searched for a plucky grad student by calling programs in the city, reaching out to alumni groups on LinkedIn and in forums on Facebook, but to no avail.
Finally, as it often happens in New York, “my husband’s cousin’s tutor” was highly recommended. (But for real that is how we found her.) She had someone who worked for her who seemed good, and we set up a trial at one of the pod members’ house, crossing our fingers and praying it could work.
We dropped her off at 10:30 a.m. and picked her up at 2 p.m., finding a scene of studious third graders working on a writing exercise in their notebooks. This was followed up by a math and engineering lesson from a recent college grad/older sibling. By all accounts, it was a much-needed success. Of course, we are still ironing out all the details, but hope to start soon. (AKA, ASAP!)
iStock
Dinner, or, My Secret Shame
I think my husband and I are pretty OK parents in many respects. We try to expose our kid to lots of people and experiences, develop her emotional intelligence and independence and let her be who she is (not who we “want” her to be) among other things.
But, guilty confession, we don’t eat dinner together as a family. Occasionally, we have something called “family dinner”, where we do prepare a meal, or order in and eat together “like a normal family,” but generally, my daughter eats her dinner in the early evening, and yes, sometimes, often, she does it watching TV. We’ll often watch together, and bond, chatting about whatever show we pick. I find reality shows like Project Runway are an excellent way to point out and discuss the very best and worst aspects of human behavior, failure and success, focus and determination, etc.
My husband and I eat much later, after our daughter’s evening routine of teeth, pajamas, and reading (we read to her, a ritual left over from when we started the Harry Potter series a while back, and now it’s a nice way to end the day. We’re currently on book one of The Mysterious Benedict Society. Recommend!)
We finally sit down for dinner and a stolen hour of escapism in front of the TV around 10 p.m. Perhaps even more scandalous, we don’t even eat the same thing—I eat a lot of salmon, flounder and DIY Mexican; he does mostly salads, grilled chicken and chili. Occasionally, we order in sushi if we’re feeling fancy. One of us often falls asleep on the couch before our show is done. We ooze into the bedroom, hit the hay and start again in the morning.
Mimi O’Connor
Post script: As I was finishing this, on a day before my daughter was to return to in-person learning, our school—located near an area with an uptick in Covid infections—closed for two weeks. This of course, changes the landscape again.
When I told her the news she was devastated. It was heart-breaking. A school parent hastily-organized a press conference for the next day, and I dragged my daughter along, encouraging her to do something with her anger rather than “eat a spoonful of frosting because she was depressed.” (No lie: that’s what said.)
To say my daughter enjoys being the center of attention is a bit of an understatement. She stepped up to the mics and talked about how much she loved in-person learning, and the precautions the school is taking, and yeah, we’re very proud. (She is a bit more concerned with how many people saw her on TV and the “likes” she may have garnered on a councilman’s Twitter feed, but I’m hoping my praise for speaking her mind and taking action registers in the headiness of her new found “fame.”
For the past five weeks (35 days to be exact, but who’s counting?!) my two children have been home from college. And if the stress of a global pandemic wasn’t enough, I’ve also had to cope with the anxiety of wondering if my kids have been exposed to the Coronavirus, either in their college dorms or somewhere along the way during their travels home from California, where they go to school. For my son, a college senior, and for my daughter, a college freshman, moving back home two months before graduation and the end of the semester was definitely not part of the plan—for any of us. My “empty nest” is full once again, and it’s filled with uncertainty.
But there is one thing I can be certain of: the immunity of my kids is strong. How do I know that? Not just because I’m a physician who has always practiced prevention basics, but also because of Ayurveda, the 5,000-year-old healing science of India, the birthplace of my parents and many generations before them, which I grew up with and in turn, brought to my children.
Growing up in a South Asian household, Ayurveda was a part of daily life. It was just the way we did things. I remember coming home from school every day and the routine of taking off my shoes and washing my hands in the mudroom before entering, then going straight to my room to change out of my school clothes into clean ones before doing anything else. It didn’t matter what time it was, how hungry I was or how much homework I had to do—this routine was non-negotiable.
So yes, even before COVID-19, building and maintaining immunity was and still is our entire lifestyle thanks to Ayurveda. Here are my top five suggestions, based on Ayurvedic principles and more than 20 years of being both a physician and a parent, to help boost your child’s immunity.
1. Prioritize sleep.Studiesshow that sleep is critical for a healthy and strong immune system. Create a bedtime routine and be clear about what time “lights out” is.
2. Maintain a daily schedule. Our children live in a world in which their nervous systems are constantly on high-alert with a stress response that never slows down. Creating a daily schedule establishes regularity that helps calm the nervous system and in turn, strengthens the immune system. Start with regular sleep and wake times, then add on regular mealtimes.
3. Establish routines. Routines create stability, and stability creates a sense of “ease” that down-regulates the stress response of the nervous system and boosts the immune system. Establishing a morning routine or an evening routine with two to three steps is a great way to add consistency to your child’s day.
4. Build a strong digestion. According to Ayurveda, a strong digestion is the key to strong immunity. Limit refined sugar, cold and processed foods, and instead focus on a diet of warm meals such as hot cereal, stewed fruits, soups, stews, steamed vegetables, and grains.
5. Create connection. The health benefits of strong social connections have been found to be as important as sleep, nutrition, and exercise. Create an evening “tech time-out” when all electronics are turned off, followed by family time to remind children that relationships are important. Try playing board games, coloring or doing crafts as a way to connect and relax with your kids.
Ayurveda teaches that a strong immune system is the natural result of a healthy lifestyle built upon adequate sleep, a balanced nervous system, and proper nutrition. That said, take your time with the recommendations above. Follow your intuition as a parent and choose one suggestion, try it for a few weeks and observe how your child responds. Make adjustments as necessary or add another suggestion and observe again. You’ll find that over time, your child is learning daily practices, based on the wisdom of Ayurveda, that will help them maintain their immunity throughout their life.
As a physician, I’ve experienced firsthand the limitations of traditional medicine. When I left my career in emergency medicine, I begin a 20-year journey that took me from Brazil to study energy healing back to India to become a practitioner of its 5,000-year-old ancient healing tradition known as Ayurveda.
The idea of normalizing the really exhausting parts of parenthood is common, but it often comes with an air of “it’s just not fixable so don’t try” which a lot of people really do not want to hear, and makes them feel even more exhausted. But there is a way to fix it.
When your newborn won’t nap anywhere but on your chest: This is super common. All of the rules designed to keep babies safe while sleeping (flat surface, on their back) are not compatible with what babies actually want (to be curled up, tummy to tummy with someone cozy). Don’t try to force the crib issue during the day. Wear the baby in a carrier or just queue up your Netflix backlog and let them snooze! Sleep begets sleep so the more they’re able to nap during the day (whatever that looks like!), the better they’ll do at night in the crib. Also, visitors love this task, so if you don’t like being trapped under a baby all day, invite a friend over to do it for you while you get your body to yourself for an hour or two. (Better yet—have them do the chores! It’s up to you)
When the baby won’t settle for the night until 11 pm: Start a bedtime routine in the “magic window” of 6-7 p.m. This is when babies are usually ready to settle down for the night but if you miss it, they’ll get a second wind. Get the whole family in the routine by turning down all the lights, turn off the TV, get baby into pajamas and do a last daytime feed. They need about 12 hours of “night time”, even if they’re waking to feed, and the first stretch of sleep is usually the most solid.
When both partners exhausted every day: Switch off with your partner at night. A mistake I see new parents making a lot is both parents staying up late and then both waking with baby. As tempting as it is to stay up together for a few hours when the baby goes to bed, you’re going to be miserable at 4 a.m. Have one parent go to bed at 7 or 8 p.m. while the other watches over baby in another room. Then switch off baby duty halfway through the night so the night owl parent can get some solid sleep too! You’ll be out of the newborn stage and back into your evening routine together before long.
When you don’t like the advice you’re getting from well-meaning family members or friends: Don’t take it! If you’re perfectly happy with how things are going, just let it go in one ear and out the other. They don’t know your baby better than you do. If you WANT advice, pick a few other parents you really trust and like and listen to them. Or hire a postpartum doula or sleep coach for the really professional touch.
Don’t be afraid of a little fussing. If you put your baby down and they hang out awake in their bed, but calm, let them be! Even if they get a little fussy, you don’t need to be spring-loaded to scoop them up. They’re just trying to get comfortable. If your baby is old enough (3 months or check with your pediatrician), sleep training is always an option. You and your baby don’t have to suffer.
Hi, I’m Devon and I am completely baby crazy. I’m a postpartum doula, parenting guide, and baby sleep coach that helps new parents adjust to parenthood, figure out what your baby wants (and what YOU want), and offer practical guidance and emotional support.
Morning routines are everything when it comes to getting out the door without letting the morning madness get to you. And, let’s face it. From your alarm clock waking you up at the crack of dawn to making sure your kiddos are fed and out the door on time, things can get stressful.
However, with a little planning, and a solid morning routine, you can transform how your family handles the morning rush. Read on because we’re sharing 7 tips on how to establish a morning routine for kids that may set the tone for a more positive and productive day.
1. It All Starts with Sleep
While we may be talking about morning routines, a seamless morning routine really all starts with how your kid’s slept the night before (and you too!) Hitting the hay earlier and setting your little ones up for a solid night’s sleep is the number one step to hit the ground running with a much smoother morning routine.
Think about it this way. When your child is overtired, nothing seems to run smoothly, right? So, make sleep a priority.
As a general rule of thumb, The Sleep Foundation says that toddlers (ages 1-2) need 11-14 hours of sleep. Preschoolers (ages 3-5) need 10-13 hours of sleep, school-aged children (ages 6-13) require 9-11 hours, and teenagers (ages 14-17) should be getting 8-10 hours each night.
Here are a few tips to help establish a better evening routine to set your whole family up for a smoother morning.
Have a predictable evening routine.
Try using noise machines to block out outside noise.
Consider using blackout curtains to set the tone for sleep.
Get the kids into bed early enough to make sure they are getting the amount of sleep their growing bodies need.
2. Plan Ahead
Planning is key to avoiding chaos, so consider planning ahead a bit before your busy morning starts. If you can carve our just ten minutes to plan ahead the night before, you will feel so much less stressed when the morning rolls around. Have lunches to pack? Try getting everything out and ready to go the night before. Need to pick out clothes for the kiddos? Try setting those out the night before.
Crossing just a few things off of your to-do the night before will ultimately save you tons of time during the morning rush.
3. Claim Your Own Power Half Hour
If you can manage it, try waking up just a little earlier than the rest of the house, and get some “me time” in! Make the first half-hour of your day your power half-hour to focus on you. Pour yourself a cup of coffee and enjoy it while it’s actually still hot. Listen to your favorite podcast, or roll out your yoga mat and get a quick yoga flow in. Doing something for yourself before you dive into your morning routine will help you feel more centered. Hint: A more centered parent equals a smoother morning!
4. Ease into That Wakeup Call
Think about how you feel when your blaring alarm clock goes off at the crack of dawn. For many of us, we dread that wakeup call. So, ease into your little one’s wakeup call. If they have a hard time rolling out of bed in the morning, ease into it. Try playing some gentle music, lay in bed with them for a few minutes talking about the plans for the day, or simply offer a hug and some positive words to help your kid’s wake up on the right side of the bed.
5. Get Your Children Involved in the Routine
If your children are old enough, consider getting them involved in the morning routine. This will help foster some independence, but also make them more excited about waking up and diving right into the morning routine.
Consider making a routine chart of what everyone is responsible for each morning, and everyone gets to check their tasks off when they are complete. This example from The Zebra includes a printable morning and routine chart for your family to help them get out of the house on time.
6. Get Nourished
Setting the tone for a productive day also starts with nourishing the body. Kiddos (and adults) need something wholesome that’s rich in protein and healthy fat to stabilize blood sugar and help kids stay full until lunchtime. So, consider offering things like eggs with a side of fruit and a piece of toast with mashed avocado or almond butter. Or, on the days you’re in a rush, blend up a kid-approved smoothie.
7. Be Flexible
As parents, it may seem like we’re always having to bend and flex. Our kid’s needs are ever-changing, and being able to be flexible in your morning routine is just another way to challenge that inner parent patience we all have to muster up. Being flexible when things don’t go exactly as planned will help you bounce right back, instead of letting the morning rush get the best of the entire house. Just remember that not all is lost if your morning routine is slightly thrown off track. Just roll with it!
A Sample Morning Routine for Kids
Want to see what a sample morning routine put into real-time looks like? Here’s an example of a morning routine that can be tweaked to work for you.
The Night Before
8:00 PM: Light’s out for kiddos
8:30 PM: Lay clothes out, get lunch ready
Morning
5:30 AM: Parent power half hour
6:00 AM: Kiddos gentle wake-up call
6:30 AM: Morning schedule
7:00 AM: Enjoy a nourishing breakfast
7:30 AM: Out the door for a positive and productive day!
With a solid morning routine, you will quickly see just how powerful they can be for getting out the door and seizing the day.
I declared my dream of being a mom at the age of five years old on my kindergarten graduation day when answering the age-old question "what do you want to be when you grow up?" Many years later, it still seems like the best job in the world.
Dinner out can offer a break from a sometimes monotonous evening routine but restaurant dining can add up quickly–especially when kids tag along. Finding that perfect balance between kid-friendly fare and a grown-up atmosphere can further complicate the search. We did some digging to find the best options beyond your local fast food joint. Scroll on to discover the the most budget-wise menus in the DMV – some options are even free.
photo: iStock
Old Ebbitt Grill This one is the priciest on the list, but the history of the place earned it a spot here. Established in 1856, this eatery was a fave of presidents Cleveland, Grant, Harding and Theodore Roosevelt. Children’s entrees come with milk, fruit juice or soft drink, plus a choice of fries, tater tots, fruit, salad, organic applesauce or veggies followed by seasonal potato ice cream, sorbet or fruit. Main courses include old standbys like chicken tenders or PB&J, and some choices for more refined palates such as salmon teriyaki and sautéed Maine cod.
Cost: $9 Where: 675 15th St. NW When: Any time Online: ebbitt.com
Roofers Union
This Adams Morgan restaurant takes an elevated approach to modern, American fare. Kids will enjoy the house-ground hamburger, a gourmet PB&J sandwich or a haute take on simple grilled cheese. When the weather is nice, enjoy a family meal on the restaurant’s roof top. On Thursday nights from 5-8 p.m. kids 12 & under eat free with the purchase of an adult entree. Any other day of the week, expect to pay $5-8 for kid plates.
The Pig
This farm-to-table restaurant with a nose-to-tail menu caters to pork aficionados with an appreciation for bourbon-heavy cocktails. It’s a grown-up menu with some surprising kid-pleasers. You’ll find pork tenders, grilled cheese, mac-and-cheese and more for kids 12 & under. There are a few pricier options (like a $12 cheeseburger), but you’ll find most of the kid’s meals are under $9. They also have crayons on hand to keep little hands busy.
Cost: $7-12
Where: 1320 14th St. NW
When: Any time
Online: thepigdc.com
Pinstripes The kids’ menu is available all the time, with each meal costing $9. But kids eat for half-price on Sundays after 5 p.m. with the purchase of an adult entrée, which run $13 for a salad to $32 for the Filet Mignon Trio. Kids can choose from mini cheeseburgers, buttered noodles, pizza and grilled or crispy chicken tenders along with sides, parmesan bread, dessert and a drink. On Sundays, kids 5 and under can have the brunch buffet for free (it’s $15 for 6- to 12-year-olds), and it features a special just-for-kids table with mac and cheese, fries, and eggs, plus a sweet table with a chocolate fountain. By the way, this place also offers bowling and bocce so burn off some calories with a game. Note: A location is opening in Bethesda on Aug. 5.
Cost: $4.50 – $9 Where: 1064 Wisconsin Ave. NW When: Any time, but eats eat for half-price on Sundays after 5 p.m. Online: pinstripes.com
Silver Diner With options such as gluten-free quinoa coconut pancakes, grilled nitrate-free all-beef hot dogs, teriyaki sustainable fresh salmon and sliders made from grass-fed, antibiotic-free beef, turkey or bison, it’s almost hard to believe the menu is from a diner. Until you see the 3-D old-fashioned truck each kid gets and the mini jukeboxes on the tables. And did we mention that every Tuesday from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. is Kids’ Night with entertainers and activities? There’s also the Kids’ Club for kids 12 and younger that comes with perks such as a free kid-size shake with dinner on Kids’ Night and a free meal on your birthday.
Cost: $4.99 – $6.49 Where: 10 area locations When: Any time Online: silverdiner.com
Ted’s Bulletin While grown-ups scarf down comfort food such as grilled cheese with tomato soup and slurp spiked milkshakes, kiddos can enjoy breakfast any time of the day with Mr. Breakfast, a huge pancake with fruit and bacon, or they can balance their own milkshake with Mr. Healthy Habbits: fresh fruit, hummus and carrots. If those don’t do the trick, Ted’s also has kid favorites such as PB&J, grilled cheese and macaroni.
Cost: $5.99 Where: 10 area locations When: Any time Online: tedsbulletin.com
Brookland Pint At this craft beer-, sustainability-focused restaurant, kids eat free all day Tuesdays, and entrees are usually $8. They include hot dogs, cheese quesadillas and barbecue pulled pork sliders, served with a choice of fries, sweet potatoes, fruit, mac and cheese, or veggies.
Cost: Free
Where: 716 Monroe St. NE When: Tuesdays Online: brooklandpint.com
Pizzeria Orso Every Tuesday, children ages 10 and younger get a free item from the kid’s menu for each traditional or house specialty pizza ordered. The pizzas cost $9 for a cheeseless marinara to $16 for the Orso, which has mozzarella, pecorino tuscano, fontina, grana, ricotta, garlic and prosciutto. Children’s dishes usually cost $5 to $9 for things like spaghetti and meatballs, fried mozzarella and pizza (duh).
Cost: Free
Where: 400 South Maple Ave., Falls Church, VA When: Tuesdays Online: pizzeriaorso.com
Whitlow’s on Wilson Part bar, part dance club, part Sunday brunch spot, Whitlow’s offers one child 10 or younger a free meal with the purchase of an adult meal Tuesdays through Thursdays from 4 to 7 p.m.
Cost: Free
Where: 2854 Wilson Blvd., Arlington, VA When: Tuesdays Online: brooklandpint.com
Gusto’s Italian Grill For every pizza or salad purchase on Mondays, children 12 and under get a free kids’ salad or pizza with apple juice or organic milk. Regular-price salads and pizzas are $8.95 for grown-ups. The idea is farm-to-table freshness with the speed and customization of Chipotle and Cava Grill.
Vintage Restaurant
Sometimes the grass really is greener in the country. If you’re looking for farm-to-table fare that is, well, fresh from the farm, head to this worth-the-drive establishment in New Market. You can indulge in fancy cocktails with a sampler flight while your little one munches on housemade chicken nuggets or a local beef burger. All kids meals are just $5.
Cost: $5
Where: 8 W. Main St., New Market, MD
When: Any time
Online: vintage-eats.com
Being a superhero is all about making the choice to use your powers for good when you see something you can change. When kids understand the power they have to make both themselves and others feel good, choosing kindness becomes so much more than just another rule to follow.
Play “I Spy Kindness”
Kindness is all around us if we start looking. Unexpected smiles. People helping strangers carry shopping bags. Someone who gives up their seat on the bus or train.
Make a game out of spotting acts of kindness, and before you know it, your child will be full of their own ideas to make a difference.
Save the (School) Day with a Kind Word
Words matter. What does your child have to say? Ask them to use their new powers of observation in the classroom to see if a friend, classmate, or teacher’s aide might enjoy a kind note—and if so, create one for them!
Your child’s note can be anything they want it to be, from a kind word on a piece of paper to a thank you to a teacher for their help.
Help Save the Planet by Picking Up Litter Together
Keep rubber gloves, trash bags and recycling bags in your car or travel bag and help your child take care of the earth—and make their world more beautiful.
Choose a corner, street, or playground that you as a family can help keep clean.
Demonstrate the Power of Small Acts for Big Problems
The next time your child asks a question about someone who is experiencing homelessness or about an issue on the news like immigration, do one small thing about it together as a family.
Help your child give gently used clothing to a shelter for families, make a donation, or volunteer together.
Add Gratitude to Your Evening Routine
Asking your child what they are grateful for can be an eye-opening (and profound) experience. Try asking your child before bedtime what made them happy that day.
Kindness.org Co-founder and Chief Strategist Melissa Burmester shares, “I’ve started doing this with my two-year-old and it’s become one of my favorite times of the day. Yesterday, she was grateful for sunshine, fig bars, and Grandma. The day before that it was puddles to jump in.”
Every act, no matter how small, makes a difference. (Cape optional.) Help your child engage their kindness superpowers today!
We're moms and co-founders of kindness.org, a nonprofit with a bold mission: building a better world through education, storytelling and scientific research, in schools, workplaces and in our digital lives—so that more people have the opportunity to choose kindness every day.
