Kaiti Bee Creates

Fool-Proof Toddler Nap Routine We have been using the same nap time routine since Little One turned one. Since she is now 21 months, we are getting close to one year of the exact same routine for every nap time. And it works! When is comes to any kind of sleep time, whether nap or bedtime, consistency is key. That is number one: consistency. And I will say it again, consistency. Before we settled on our current nap routine, I would fairly regularly try to change it up, trying different things to see what worked best. While I thought that it was a great idea to try and come up with innovative and creative ways of having a successful naptime with minimal tears (both mine and Little Ones), it really was the most detrimental thing I could have done. Once I started to be more consistent with our routine, things just started to fall into place. First, there was less screaming when I put her in her crib. Then, there was less crying while we were getting ready for nap. And ...

I have received a lot of advice in my short 23 years here on earth...some good, some bad, and some REALLY bad. I can honestly say though, that the best piece of advice (and most frequently used piece of advice) that I have gotten, came from my pastor. Regarding marriage. Before my husband and I got married, we did some premarital counseling with our pastor, and at one point he told us, "Never go to bed angry" and later to restate the same concept, "Don't let the sun go down on your anger". Now, at the time, I kind of just shrugged it off, half ignoring what he said, but I think that is the single most important thing that he taught us (or that anyone taught us) about marriage. Like all couples, my husband and I have heated discussions, arguments, and sometimes even yelling fights. I can tend to get really worked up, especially when things around me are changing rapidly, or when I am feeling unsure and insecure...which basically describes much of my year these...