The Little Sleep Show

Weaning is a very personal choice with many factors to consider. Join me as I discuss when it's appropriate to think about weaning, the pros and cons, and exactly how to start the process. I also go over 2 important steps that come before you even begin reducing feedings.   www.nestfamilysleep.com

Pacifiers - can't live with them, can't live without them! On this episode we cover the best time to introduce a pacifier and the best time to wean. I get to the truth about pacifiers and breastfeeding and also talk about some of the interesting benefits pacifiers have. www.nestfamilysleep.com

Bedtime can mean stress for the entire family. There are so many little choices throughout the day that go into creating a calm transition to bed for your child. On this episode I talk about all the ways we can set ourselves and our child up for bedtime success. I show you how to think about sleep holistically and take the entire day into consideration. Sleep Averages by Age Chart Mentioned: http://www.mybabysleepguide.com/2013/02/average-sleep-charts-by-age.html

On this episode, I'm so excited to be joined by Rene Thomsen LPC of Parenting.littles on Instagram. Rene is a therapist who specializes in helping families to build connection and attachment. She's also a mom! Rene explains why having a connected relationship with your child is so important, and how it can be beneficial for your child's development. We also talked about easy ways to work more connection into your day.  Follow Rene: www.renethomsen.com www.attachmentandtraumatherapy.com @parenting.littles on Instagram

There are so many misconceptions about how our children "should be" sleeping. In this episode I discuss some of the most common ways I see parent's expectations clashing with what is developmentally appropriate. I will help you understand what is realistic, and also how to decide what feels right for you and your family. 

Sleep regression - the words every parent dreads. But when we look at  what's behind these periods in our child's lives carefully, we can see them as periods of rapid change and development. On this episode, I look at some of the most common periods of sleep difficulties, and discuss what's behind them and what we can do to help our child through while staying sane! Quiz mentioned in this episode:  https://www.babysleepsite.com/sleep-regression-2/sleep-regression-or-something-else/

The phrase “sleep training” can be controversial. It seems like everyone has an opinion on how you should get your child to sleep more. On this episode I'll explain what sleep training really is, and why it causes such heated debates. If you are wondering how to decide what is right for your family, this episode may be helpful to you! 

Teething gets blamed quite often for causing sleep disruptions. But is it really the cause of your child's sleep problems? On this episode I help you to discern what might be teething and what may not be. 

Early morning waking can be a tricky problem to tackle. Often times your child may be waking due to a combination of factors. The good news is, it is a very fixable sleep challenge. With some patience and consistency, you can get your little one's sleep back on track!  www.nestfamilysleep.com

We are exploring the ups and downs of toddler sleep and getting to the bottom of why toddlers have so much trouble sleeping! I discuss how to tackle the challenges I see the most with clients at this age including bedtime battles, nap refusal, and climbing out of the crib.  Www.nestfamilysleep.com

Separation anxiety can make things hard on everyone. What seems like a behavioral issue is actually a normal, healthy part of your child's development, and a sign that they are attached to you. But what about a child that is anxious all the time? I touch on separation anxiety disorder, in which a child has excessive symptoms that can affect functioning in every day life. Of course, I give you lots of tips and tools to help your child through the anxious times. 

"Trauma is not what happens to you, trauma is what happens inside you as a result of what happens to you."  -Gabor Mate Trauma experienced in childhood can take on many different forms. It can be divorce, loss, illness, physical or emotional abuse, or witnessing something scary happen to someone a child loves. If it is not addressed, the effects can be long-lasting and life changing. In this episode, I talked with Caleen McGrath, LCSW, a Social Worker with 8 years of experience working in schools with traumatized youth. We discuss how to identify trauma, how it may affect our children, and most importantly, what we can do about it.  www.nestfamilysleep.com

If your family is struggling to keep it together with sleep, I discuss potential causes and solutions for quarantine related sleep challenges. We also cover behavioral changes in our kids, and how to help kids uncover why they feel strong emotions right now. Our kids look to us to make sense of strong emotions, and I'm showing you how!  www.nestfamilysleep.com www.mommypoppins.com

When I look at the big picture of sleep, nutrition is one of the key areas I focus on. Did you know that there are many foods that affect our body chemistry and have either negative or positive effects on our children's sleep? I also discuss introducing solids and the potential ways that can affect sleep. Join me to learn how to support your child's (and possibly your own) sleep through nutrition! www.food-intolerance-network.com www.nestfamilysleep.com  

Bringing a new baby home can be both exciting and stressful. This week I am giving you my best tips on how to help your older child through this big adjustment. Of course I am focusing on sleep, and the common mistakes some families make that can make things harder. I also discuss navigating siblings sharing a room and how to honor the needs of each child.  www.nestfamilysleep.com    

Giving time and attention to our own quality of sleep benefits the entire family. This week I address the very important topic of sleep for adults. There are so many factors that are within our control that can help us get better rest when we are stressed and anxious. I also discuss one potential way we can help our kids feel a little more secure during these uncertain times.  www.nestfamilysleep.com

This episode is about our kids' fears at night. I discuss fears, nightmares and night terrors. We talk about how to investigate the sources of these fears, what is developmentally typical and best of all, many tools to help you help your child overcome fears, and feel safe and relaxed enough to sleep. 

This week I wanted to cover the basics of what mindfulness means and how to incorporate it into family life. I talk about some possible benefits for both yourself and your kids. If mindfulness is something you have been curious about, but don't think you have time for, this episode is for you! Shaddy's mindfulness resources: Book: Peace is Every Step by Thich Nhat Hanh Free guided meditations: https://www.uclahealth.org/marc/mindful-meditations Apps: 10% Happier, Insight Timer, Headspace

This week I am helping you make sense of your new baby's sleep patterns. If you want to learn how to set your new family up for healthy sleep going forward, then this episode is for you! www.nestfamilysleep.com

Our children need naps to get them through their days. When kids rest, everyone's day is better!  Today I help you understand what it takes for naps to happen.  www.nestfamilysleep.com Follow me on Instagram! @nestfamilysleep or @littlesleepshow

Play holds a special power for children. This week I discuss why our children need different types of play, and why they need us to join in sometimes. Play is a way for children to process emotions, conquer fears, and learn how to be in the world. Instagram accounts about play: @busytoddler @playbymelissa @montessorifromtheheart Find me at: www.nestfamilysleep.com Instagram @nestfamilysleep and @littlesleepshow

This week we are talking co-sleeping! If you're worried that sharing a room or bed will “mess up” your child's sleep, this episode is for you.  I also cover what I consider the most important part of co-sleeping, which is how to safely co-sleep with your children. www.nestfamilysleep.com

This week I share how I work with children's sleep and why I choose to work holistically. I give you some ways to begin looking at the big picture of what factors could be affecting your child's sleep. I also talk the about expectations and realities we have around sleep.   www.nestfamilysleep.com follow me on Instagram @nestfamilysleep or @littlesleepshow

This week's episode is all about why our children cry and what to do about it. Crying and sleep are so tied together I can't talk about one without the other! I give you some background on why crying can be controversial, along with ways to show up for your child when their emotions run high.   www.nestfamilysleep.com Sleep, Play Love by Sophie Acott www.mindful.org

Hi there, and welcome to The Little Sleep Show! In this first episode I tell you about myself, my family, and why I'm so passionate about helping children sleep. I also discuss what to expect in the coming episodes, including a little sneak peek at what's up next week. Join me as I navigate the ups and downs of parenting, sleep, and much more! Brought to you by Nest Family Sleep Consulting www.nestfamilysleep.com follow me on Instagram and Facebook: @nestfamilysleep or @littlesleepshow