Pregnancy is often idealized as a joyous journey filled with glowing anticipation and unbridled excitement. However, this narrative often ignores the multifaceted emotions that accompany the experience. As a mother who has lived through the stark contrasts of emotion and expectation, I find myself grappling with ambivalence during my second pregnancy—an emotional landscape starkly different
Sleep
For the first few years of life, naps serve an essential function in a child’s routine. Research shows that naps are more than mere opportunities for parents to recharge; they are vital for a child’s physical development, emotional regulation, and cognitive growth. Loss of midday rest can have emotional repercussions that impact a child’s behavior
As the sun sets and the stars peek through the curtains, the familiar routine unfolds—a moment that signals peace, relaxation, and a well-deserved respite for parents. There’s something undeniably magical about bedtime stories. This treasured time nurtures imagination and instills a love for reading, making it a pivotal part of childhood. While classics like “Goodnight
As parents, the journey through toddlerhood is filled with unique challenges and rewards. From navigating potty training to deciphering your child’s emerging personality, it’s a delightful yet daunting phase. One prevalent issue parents often grapple with is sleep disturbances. While many may believe that sleepless nights are only a concern for newborns, the truth is
Pregnancy is often depicted as a time of glowing beauty and bliss, yet the reality may come with a series of sleep disruptions that can be both exhausting and discouraging for many expectant mothers. A common piece of advice before welcoming a new baby is, “Get your sleep now!” However, this sentiment can feel utterly
Parenting is an adventure filled with numerous challenges and endless surprises, particularly when the sun begins to set. Ilana Wiles, creator of the renowned blog Mommy Shorts, encapsulates this funny—yet frustrating—aspect of parenting in her forthcoming book, *The Mommy Shorts Guide to Remarkably Average Parenting*. Through her relatable anecdotes about her daughters, Mazzy and Harlow,
As children, many of us wrestled with the concepts of “nap time” and “bedtime.” Fond memories of playtime and imaginative adventures often clashed with the structured demands of sleep. In those moments, the idea of retreating to a dark room felt like a punishment, severing the fun prematurely. This phenomenon is shared across generations, as
The recent experiences of a Texas mother, Laura Thompson, captured widespread attention when she shared the astonishing tale of giving birth while she was asleep. Admitted to the hospital for labor induction on October 9, 2020, Thompson experienced a labor process that was slower than expected, leading her medical team to suggest that she and
Many parents commonly face the uphill battle of convincing their children to sleep, be it during the day or at night. The resistance to naps can often stem from various emotional drivers, including a child’s desire for independence and fear of separation. Parents frequently wonder, “How can I help my child nap?”—a question that encapsulates
Daytime sleep, often reduced to a brief period of rest, plays a pivotal role in a child’s overall well-being. Naps not only uplift a child’s mood but significantly diminish incidences of fussiness, whining, and tantrums. Research has shown that a child’s health benefits from regular napping; children who nap consistently are less susceptible to illnesses