Ask some parents about the worst time of day with their children, and they will answer with a resounding “Bedtime!”
How can you make bedtime less of a chore and more relaxing for you and your child? Well maybe you should try some soothing bedtime rituals that slowly relax your child so that they can fall asleep on their own. Children feel secure when they have regular routines; they know what to expect and family rituals that you establish in your home give your child a sense of belonging.
Here are some ideas for developing a regular relaxing bedtime routine:
• Establish a regular time to begin your nightly bedtime routine and be consistent; consistency helps everyone know what to expect.
• Begin with a warm bath to initiate the relaxation process. After the bath, perform the tooth brushing and hygiene routine and have your child use the bathroom for the last time.
• After your child is dressed for bed, have him or her lie down for a gentle massage. During this time, you can sing to your child or briefly discuss the good parts of his or her day. Keep it upbeat and positive.
• Read a bedtime story to further relax your child. Sometimes they will even fall asleep at this point because they are so relaxed!
• Say a prayer with your child, thanking God for the blessings of the day and asking for His blessings on family members and those who are sick or in need of some extra attention.
• Make sure your child has that favorite stuffed animal, doll or blanket to cuddle with as they fall asleep.
• As you leave your child, use the same goodnight phrase, such as, “I love you – pleasant dreams!”
• Plan for what you will do if your child gets out of bed after you have said your final goodnight. Be firm and get them right back to bed – no stalling!
Poor Posture, Poor Mood Whenever you’re sitting at a computer, be conscious of your posture and keep your feet evenly planted on the ground. As many people are finding themselves spending more time sitting slumped behind a screen or standing on their feet for hours on end without a break, paying attention to your posture is more important than ever. If you’ve never thought much about whether you’re sitting or standing stance is doing harm to your health, you might want to start before you find yourself in a bad mood. Whenever you’re sitting at a computer, be conscious of your posture and keep your feet evenly planted on the ground. Each time we lean forward 60 degrees, the stress placed on our neck is increased dramatically. This can lead to numbness, pain, pinched nerves and improper breathing—none of which are good for your mood! Stress on your neck can also lead to tense upper back and shoulder muscles, resulting in headaches which can be very frequent for som...
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