The festive season and your child's rhythm: sleep coach Douïna's tips
During the festive season, the best way to respect your little one's rhythm is to plan naps around the visits, find a quiet spot, use a shorter bedtime routine and explain to your family in advance that your little one has a rhythm of their own. Don't expect too much of your child at the table and don't compare with other children. Sleep coach Douïna lists her tips, with three sentences to cut short awkward conversations.
Why is the festive season unsettling for a young child?
Christmas is just around the corner again. That brings plenty of good cheer: Christmas breakfasts, brunches, dinners and drinks. At the same time, it's completely understandable that family visits during the festive season are sometimes stressful too, especially when you have a young child. So here are a few handy tips you can use in this hectic period.
Seven tips for respecting your little one's rhythm
This is how you respect your little one's rhythm while staying flexible at the same time:
- Plan the naps. Try to plan naps around the visits. If you know what time you'll be at your family's, make sure your little one has a nap just before you leave. If that doesn't work, use the car or the baby carrier for a short sleep. The movement and the calm surroundings can help a lot.
- Find quiet spots. During the visit, find a quiet spot where you can let your little one sleep for a while or feed them calmly. That reduces the stimulation from the festive bustle.
- Keep the bedtime routine flexible. Keeping up rituals is important, but a flexible approach helps. Perhaps you can use a shorter version of the bedtime routine, so your little one falls asleep more quickly.
- Communicate with your family. Explain that your little one has a rhythm of their own and that it's important to you that this is respected. Make this clear in advance, so everyone can adapt and be understanding.
- Change the subject. If conversations about your little one's sleeping and eating habits become awkward, ask questions about other interests, such as holidays, hobbies or work. That takes the focus off your little one.
- Avoid comparing. Every child is unique and there is no ‘perfect’ way to raise a child. If you get critical remarks, stay calm and stress that you're happy with how things are going.
- Don't expect too much of your little one. For example, that they have to stay seated at the table during a dinner.
What if emotions come out?
Bear in mind that your little one is also trying to adapt to a different situation, and that emotions sometimes come out in the process: anger, sadness, shyness, boisterous behaviour or testing boundaries. That's all perfectly normal. When you show understanding for this, it becomes easier for you and your child, and the whole family enjoys all the festivities more.
Three sentences to cut short awkward conversations
- “Everyone has their own way of parenting, and what works for us is fine.”
- “We're happy with the progress our little one is making, and that's what counts.”
- “Of course there are challenges, but we learn every day and enjoy the journey.”
With these tips and sentences, I hope you can get through the festive season with more ease and enjoyment, while putting your little one's wellbeing first. Good luck and enjoy the festive season.
Love, Douïna
Summary
- Plan naps around the visits, or use the car or baby carrier for a short sleep.
- Find a quiet spot for sleeping or feeding, and use a shorter bedtime routine if needed.
- Tell your family in advance that your little one has a rhythm of their own that needs to be respected.
- Don't expect too much of your child at the table, don't compare and stay calm when criticised.
- Emotions such as anger or boisterous behaviour are normal in a new situation; understanding makes it easier for everyone.
Frequently asked questions
Does your little one have to stay seated at the table during Christmas dinner?
No. Don't have too high expectations of your little one, such as having to stay seated at the table during a dinner.
What do you do if a nap at home doesn't work out?
Use the car or the baby carrier for a short sleep. The movement and the calm surroundings help your little one fall asleep.
