How to Get Your Child to Go to Bed

As a mother of a 3 year old and 5 year old, I know how difficult and stressful it can be at bedtime. Some parents have no problems getting there children to bed. But me, my boys have proven to be very difficult. I think it is very important to get into a routine and stick with it as much as possible. Kids like routines, it makes them comfortable. So create a routine that is right for your kids. Here is what I do:

Have your kids take a bath and put pajamas on.

Then have them get into their beds while you sit next to them and read to them for a few minutes.

After you are finished reading to them, tell them goodnight and that you will see them in the morning.

In the beginning it will be very hard and even stressful. Your child may get out of bed, cry, scream, throw a temper tantrum, but you have to remain strong. You are the adult and every time your child gets out of bed simply pick them up or walk them back into their room. Tuck them back in and say goodnight.

Your child may get out of bed 30 times the first night. But keep at it. Even at the end of a week, even if they still get up, you will notice a difference. Just remember you are the parent, you know how important a goodnight sleep is for them.

Reclaiming Your Life When You Have Children

So many women loose themselves after having children. They are only known as mom know and that is what we tend to think of ourselves after having children, only mom. We need to realize that we are more than just mom, we can still be the same people that we were before sleepless nights, diapers, feedings, being a maid, and shuffling kids from one place to another. So now it is time to reclaim You!

Every mother had a life before having children. But for many women, after having children, our children soley become our lives. I'm not saying we don't love our children, but we were an individual before them, they should be an addition to our lives, not our entire life. I believe that the more well-rounded we are, the better it is for our children.

I think it is important to make time for yourself and time for your significant other. Make time, whether it is a couple hours a week or just 30 minutes. Call a babysitter or recruit friends and family to watch your children every now and again.

Use your "You" time for what you want to do. I wake up a half hour earlier then anybody else in my house. I take a short walk down the street and back, which takes 5 minutes. Then I go back inside, drink a cup of coffee or tea, and read several pages a book.

I also think it is important that you get creative about how you are going to spend your "you" time. There are many local classes that are an hour a week, like an art class, belly dancing, yoga, join a gym, go for a walk with a friend, plant a garden, take a bubble bath. Whatever you want to do. A couple years ago I joined a belly dancing group for an hour a week. I only did it for few months, but I am glad I tried something new.

Time To Hit The Gym

So last nite was the first time in 6 or so years (since I got pregnant with my first child) that I have been to a gym. And it gave me such a rush. I am hoping i will be able to go two or three times a week, if my hectic schedule allows it. For me, its not necassarily about loosing weight, but rather having some me time, connecting with a friend, and feeling good about myself.

Job Update

Well after six months of job hunting, I finally got one. I will be working at local clinic in the appointment/scheduling department. The job is only part though, so I will be keeping my other job as a waitress. I am excited though, atleast I got my foot in the door.