Sleep Tips for Busy Parents
One of the biggest eye opening experiences as a new parent is the complete lack of sleep that you suddenly have to learn to deal with. Your first kid makes it hard enough, but after kid number 2, it becomes something that you only, ironically, dream about. Luckily, getting enough sleep as a parent isn’t impossible. Difficult? Yes! But, certainly not impossible. If you are struggling to find time to sleep between the demands of your little ones, check out these tips for getting some sleep and ultimately improving your quality of life.
Stay Active All Day
This one probably isn’t all that hard to accomplish. Staying active, or more importantly keeping your kids active, is a sure fire way for everyone in the house to be exhausted by day’s end. If your little one sleeps too long during the day, they may have trouble sleeping at night, which unfortunately means you will too. Instead, do your best to get up and get moving with kids in tow.
Sleep When Baby Sleeps
This is the ultimate advice that new parents get about sleeping. Honestly, that’s because it is so true. If you can, go lie down every time baby wants a nap. If you’re not comfortable with that, try every other nap or something similar. For this one, you have to be willing to let a few things go (laundry, cleaning, cooking). The laundry will still be there later, but that opportunity to catch a little shut eye is short lived when a baby is in the picture.
Say No to Visitors
This is especially helpful for parents of a newborn. With the excitement of new baby, people drop over constantly. This is certainly much appreciated, and we’re all glad to show off the new bundle. If you can’t get any sleep, however, don’t be afraid to tell people to leave or give you a little space. If done right, it’s not rude. Actually, it’s just allowing you to do what you need to take care of you and your family. Without sleep, you won’t have the energy or the emotional readiness to care for yourself or your new family member.
Get Some Help
This one can help no matter what age your children are. Ask dad to take them out for ice cream. Ask Grandma to take them to the park. Ask a friend to just sit and watch them while you take a quick nap. Or, the most helpful for sleep: Ask someone to take night time feedings. Most people are happy to help. Don’t be afraid to get some help so that you can take better care of yourself.
If you have a family, then you know sleep can be a difficult thing to find. Don’t let it elude you forever. Use these tips to get some sleep so that you can take better care of your family for years to come.
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Used under Creative Commons Licensing courtesy of Juhan Sonin
