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 ...

As some of you may know, my husband is a pastor, so when it comes to time in the pew on Sunday mornings with our toddler, I am on my own. Completely, and utterly on my own. Many weeks, the mere idea of church with my toddler is enough to make me try to come up with excuses for not going. But each week (unless we really are sick), we scramble into our church clothes, and run up the hill to the church. Our church happens to be at the top of a hill, and our house is conveniently located a quick three minute walk away. I am sure I cannot be the only one to dread the possible pew tantrums, or the nap-is-late-because-of-church meltdowns. So, here are my top five ways for managing my toddler in the pew. With these five tips, we rarely have to spend our time out in the narthex or in the nursery. 5. Let them play before church This one is actually very important...run off all of that extra energy before church! Before we put on our church clothes in the morning, I try to have my little...

HELLOOOO!!! Once again! I am back (finally). This time, we are tackling the topic of getting your toddler down for a nap. This is something quite close to home for me recently, as my very stubborn (but adorable) toddler has lately been fighting naps like nobody's business, and it is driving me BONKERS! So, I have been looking around the great world wide web for inspiration on ways to get her to chill out, stop screaming, and take her nap :) Here you go... #6: Play Hard! Yep, that's right, I am a firm believer that good play leads to good sleep. Now, I am not saying you have to completely wear them out before every nap (although I don't know that that would necessarily be a bad thing?) but making sure that they have plenty of time to burn off all that good energy that toddlers have so much of! Even better if you get to play with them. :) #5: Have a Dance Party This one might sound a little nuts, but we really enjoy having dance parties in our living room. Either j...