Poll Discussion Post: Nightmares

Nightmares can be hard to handle because you just don't know what is leading to them, what your child is feeling, or how to handle it. Let's discuss how you helped your child through nightmares and what you found led to nightmares.

Please take a moment to answer the questions below. Doing so will help other parents now and in the future. It is very helpful for me when compiling answers if you at least number the answers you give. You can also copy the questions and answer them. If the question does not apply to you, simply put "N/A."

1-What age did your child start to have nightmares? 

2-How often were the nightmares?

3-What factors do you think helped cause the nightmare (if any)?

4-What did you do to help your child through the nightmare phase?

5-What did you to do help avoid future nightmares?

6-Any tips or comments?

Sleep Regressions {Poll Discussion Post}

We work so hard to get sleep down. We analyze waketime lengths, feedings, room temperature, light...pretty much anything that comes in contact with our baby gets the side eye. "Are you ruining my baby's sleep?"

Then we get there. Sleep is great! Hooray!

Then...

BAM! Sleep regression! 

Noooooooo!!!!!!

Today's poll is all about the sleep regression. I hope this poll will give parents entering a sleep regression some light at the end of the tunnel.

Please take a moment to answer the questions below. Doing so will help other parents now and in the future. It is very helpful for me when compiling answers if you at least number the answers you give. You can also copy the questions and answer them. If the question does not apply to you, simply put "N/A."

1-Did your baby ever have a sleep regression?

2-What age(s) did your child have a sleep regression?

3-Was there anything you could do to help the sleep regression?

4-How did you manage the schedule during the sleep regression? With your child waking early, did you feed more often, have more waketime, etc.

5-Any tips, advice, or words of encouragement?

Schooling Decisions {Poll Discussion Post}

There are many decisions to make as a parent, but decisions surrounding schooling decisions can really put a stress on you. I have observed over the years of talking to people that most of them say, "I loved my experience." We feel comfortable with what we know, and what we know is our own personal experience. Some people would have liked things to be different, but by and large, most are satisfied with their lot in life. This is comforting as a parent because if you are mindful as you make these decisions, your child will likely be fine and also be satisfied with his/her experience. That doesn't mean you can send a child who isn't ready and there will be zero problems. You have to be mindful. 

With that in mind, let's discuss the decisions you have made thus far in respect to schooling. This can be a hot topic among parenting circles, so remember to keep your comments respectful toward others who have chosen differently than you have. You chose the best option for your child and so did they. When listing your reasons for choosing something, labeling children who have taken a different path is not respectful. Discuss the merits of what you chose rather than the negatives of what you didn't. 

Please take a moment to answer the questions below. Doing so will help other parents now and in the future. It is very helpful for me when compiling answers if you at least number the answers you give. You can also copy the questions and answer them. If the question does not apply to you, simply put "N/A."

1-Did you send your child to preschool? Why or why not?

2-What age(s) did you do preschool?

3-Where did you decide to send your child to official school (Kindergarten and up)? Public, homeschool, charter school, private school...Why?

4-Did you send your child to Kindergarten "on time" or did you hold your child back? Why?

5-Any additional thoughts? 

Thanks so much for participating! I am excited to read the answers. 

Independent Playtime {Poll Discussion Post}

I have said it before and I will say it forever, one of the best things about the Babywise system is Independent Playtime. The benefits of Independent Playtime are numerous, including helping your child learn to focus, be a problem solver, be independent, and to be happy with him/herself. There is also the major perk of giving you a section of time each day that you can have to yourself to spend as you wish. That may sound selfish, but a mom has to take care of herself--no one works 12-14 hour days year round, day after day, and survives. You have to have moments, and Independent Playtime can be a daily moment that benefits everyone.

Please take a moment to answer the questions below. Doing so will help other parents now and in the future. It is very helpful for me when compiling answers if you at least number the answers you give. You can also copy the questions and answer them. If the question does not apply to you, simply put "N/A."

1-What age did you start Independent Playtime? 

2-Where do you have your child do Independent Playtime?

3-What length of time does your child do Independent Playtime typically? What is your child's age?

4-How was your journey starting Independent Playtime? For example, was it smooth, did it take some time for your child to get used to it, etc. 

5-Any words of advice or encouragement?

Dropping Naps Ages {Poll Discussion Post}

For so much of your baby's first 18 months of life, you spend time wondering if it is time to drop the nap yet. A great way to keep on top of when is best to drop the nap is to know what the average age is. It is also very helpful to know what the outliers ages were and how that worked out (for example, if a child dropped a nap months earlier than usual, did the child still sleep well for naps and night).

Please take a moment to answer the questions below. Doing so will help other parents now and in the future. It is very helpful for me when compiling answers if you at least number the answers you give. You can also copy the questions and answer them. If the question does not apply to you, simply put "N/A."

1-What age did your baby move from 4 naps to 3 naps each day?

2-What age did your baby go from 3 naps to 2 naps each day?

3-What age did your child go from 2 naps to 1 nap each day?

4-What age did your child go from napping most days to to not napping most days (whether doing rest time instead or just not napping)?

5-What age was your child done napping consistently?

6-Any tips, advice, and/or words of wisdom for parents out there?

Birthday Parties {Poll Discussion Post}

While you can always change things up as you go along in parenting, starting off with a solid game plan you can live with is definitely helpful when it comes to establishing your birthday party traditions. Younger children will expect that they will have the same opportunities for birthday parties that the older children had, and older children will quickly notice if you vary things for the younger siblings. Life circumstances change often, and I am not suggesting that birthday party policies absolutely can't change. I am saying it is nice to start the policies with some plans and with your eyes as wide open as possible so you can make the most informed decision you can.

Your answers and ideas can help other parents make these decisions for themselves! Please take a moment to answer the questions below. Doing so will help other parents now and in the future. It is very helpful for me when compiling answers if you at least number the answers you give. You can also copy the questions and answer them. If the question does not apply to you, simply put "N/A."

1-How often do you (or do you plan to) let your child have a birthday party with friends (for example, every year, every other year, on certain key ages, etc.)?

2-How long do you like the party to be (please include the age of the child)?

3-How much notice do you give guests (in other words, how long before the party do you pass out invitations)?

4-Do you limit the number of guests? And if so, what is your limit?

5-When you do a friend party, how do you work in family? Do you invite them along, have a separate party, not do a family party that year, etc.?

6-Any tips for a successful party? Themes, locations, resources, etc.?

For some of my thoughts on these topics, see:

Morning Wake Up Time {Poll Discussion Post}

The start time of your day can have more of an impact on the flow of your day than you might think. Let's discuss this start to the day.

Please take a moment to answer the questions below. Doing so will help other parents now and in the future. It is very helpful for me when compiling answers if you at least number the answers you give. You can also copy the questions and answer them. If the question does not apply to you, simply put "N/A."

1-What time does your child get up each day (whether you wake him up or he wakes on his own)?

2-How consistent are you with this wake up time each day? How many days a week would you say you usually have this be your start time?

3-What time is your child's bedtime the night before?

4-Do you notice an impact on the day if wake up time is off? If so, what sort of impact?

5-Any comments on morning wake up time?

6-How old is your child?

Poll Discussion: Weathering the Four Month Sleep Regression

The fourth month sleep regression is such a stressful time! Your little baby suddenly starts sleeping significantly less and you don't know what to do. Anyone who has been through it can look back and maybe have some ideas for how to weather that more easily or at least with more grace. Wouldn't you have loved to hear words of encouragement from other parents who had been there? Here is your chance to help out other parents!

Please take a moment to answer the questions below. Doing so will help other parents now and in the future. It is very helpful for me when compiling answers if you at least number the answers you give. You can also copy the questions and answer them. If the question does not apply to you, simply put "N/A."

1. Did your child have a sleep regression at four months?
2. How long did it last?
3. Is there anything you did that helped your baby sleep better?
4. Is there anything you did to help yourself mentally manage the regression?
5. Is there anything you would do differently in retrospect?
6. Is there any advice you have for parents in the trenches of of the four month regression?

Bedtime {Poll Discussion Post}

The importance of bedtime is probably highly underrated. The timing of bedtime can strongly influence how night sleep goes and what time your child gets up the next morning. 

Please take a moment to answer the questions below. Doing so will help other parents now and in the future. It is very helpful for me when compiling answers if you at least number the answers you give. You can also copy the questions and answer them. If the question does not apply to you, simply put "N/A."

1. What age is your child?
2. What time is your child's bedtime?
3. What time does you child get up each morning?
4. What is your bedtime routine?
5. How often do you have an altered bedtime for any reason?
6. How does your child respond when bedtime time is off? How does sleep go that night and how is the next morning?
7. What do you do that makes bedtime go smoother?
8. Any thoughts or advice on bedtime and its importance?

Impact of Disruptions {Poll Discussion Post}

Disruptions are scary simply because you have no idea if a disruption will serve to negatively impact the progress and strides made to date. It is the fear of the unknown.

Every baby is different and some babies handle disruptions more smoothly than others. I thought it would be helpful, however, to get some insight on what real-life experience people have had with disruptions.

Please take a moment to answer the questions below. Doing so will help other parents now and in the future. It is very helpful for me when compiling answers if you at least number the answers you give. You can also copy the questions and answer them. If the question does not apply to you, simply put "N/A."

1-How would you describe your baby/child's general personality? For example, angel, textbook, spirited, touchy, grumpy, easy-going, etc.

2-How did/does your baby/child handle disruptions to a daily routine? What is the result? For example, go with the flow, sleep gets messed up, increased crying, no change, etc.

3-If your baby/child has some sort of change from disruptions, about how long does it usually take to get back on track once you get back to your normal routine?

4-Is there a limit to the duration of disruptions your baby/child can handle?

5-What is your current policy on disruptions? Do you limit, do you banish, do you allow all disruptions, or do you have some combo or play-it-by ear approach?

6-Any words of advice for parents facing disruptions?

Starting a Newborn Schedule/Routine {Poll Discussion Post}

Oh when oh when should you start to worry about the newborn schedule/routine? Do you start to implement things right away, or do you wait before you worry about it? And if you wait, how long do you wait? How do you know when it is time to start a routine?

Parents often worry about these questions--even parents who are not having their first baby. We want to get it right, but we don't want to over-stress. We want to enjoy our newborn baby time, but we don't want to encourage bad habits that will make life hard for baby down the road.

Please take a moment to answer the questions below. Doing so will help other parents now and in the future. It is very helpful for me when compiling answers if you at least number the answers you give. You can also copy the questions and answer them. If the question does not apply to you, simply put "N/A."

1. What age did you start to implement a routine/schedule with your newborn?
2. Was this a good age, or do you think you went too early or too late?
3. What drove you to start the routine/schedule at this age?
4. What did you early days of implementing routine/schedule look like?
5. How did following a routine/schedule evolve over the newborn weeks?
6. Would you do it differently next time?
7. Any words of advice?

Dreamfeed {Poll Discussion}

The dreamfeed is the feeding you do in the 10-11 PM hour. You get baby, feed him/her without waking him up too much, and then put baby back down for the night. The idea is that your baby will then sleep longer through the night. It works for many babies! But not for all. Let's discuss your dreamfeed experience.

Please take a moment to answer the questions below. Doing so will help other parents now and in the future. It is very helpful for me when compiling answers if you at least number the answers you give. You can also copy the questions and answer them. If the question does not apply to you, simply put "N/A."

1. Did your baby do well with the dreamfeed right away or did you have to work at it for a time first?
2. What time did you do the dreamfeed?
3. Was your baby sensitive to the exact time the dreamfeed happened? (for example, did great if dreamfeed at 10:35 but not if it was at 10:45)
4. Did the dreamfeed seem to help baby sleep longer through the night/help baby wake up less during the night?
5. What age did you drop the dreamfeed?
6. Why did you drop the dreamfeed?
7. Would you try to do dreamfeed with your next baby?
8. Any words of wisdom for parents out there?

Choosing a Schooling Option {Poll Discussion}

While "homeschool vs. public school" is an example of a very hot button topic in the online mom world, I have found it to be a subject Babywise moms are able to talk about rationally and with respect. When parents come to the point to make hard schooling decisions, it is nice to have information available that is respectful and applicable in their lives. I thought this would be an interesting poll for the month of August when many people are starting a new school year. I know this isn't really necessary with this group, but please keep your comments considerate. Saying, "We chose to homeschool because all public school kids are heathens" isn't really helpful nor kind. 

Please take a moment to answer the questions below. Doing so will help other parents now and in the future. It is very helpful for me when compiling answers if you at least number the answers you give. You can also copy the questions and answer them. If the question does not apply to you, simply put "N/A."

1. Do you plan to (or are you currently) homeschool, public school, charter school, private school, etc?

2. What is the main reason you chose this option?

3. What are the best perks of the options you chose?

4. What are the hardest challenges, or cons, of the option you chose? 

5. Any words of advic to add?

Thank you for participating! Mwah!

Creating and Maintaining a Schedule {Poll Discussion}

There is a difference between have a schedule, or routine, in your day each day and having a pattern in your day each day. Most people who follow the principles of Babywise want the routine or schedule, not just a pattern from day to day. Despite that preference, many find themselves in a pattern position and can't figure out how to make the jump to the more predictable schedule position.

Enter this poll.

Please take a moment to answer the questions below. Doing so will help other parents now and in the future. It is very helpful for me when compiling answers if you at least number the answers you give. You can also copy the questions and answer them. If the question does not apply to you, simply put "N/A."

1. What age did you aim for more of a schedule/routine and move away from a pattern?

2. What did you find vital for attaining a predictable schedule/routine? What did you implement that made the difference?

3. What did you find sabotaged your efforts for a predictable schedule/routine? What would you recommend people avoid?

4.Any words of advice for parents out there?

Thank you for participating! Mwah!

You can see the results of the poll on how to create and maintain a schedule here. 

Poll Discussion: Introducing a New Baby to Older Siblings

Bringing home a new baby can be scary, for all involved. Life is going to change and no one really has a full grasp on exactly how that will look and how that will change life. When bringing home the second baby, many parents worry about how the relationship with the oldest child will change. Every new baby brings changes to the dynamics of the home. 

And so the question arises, how do you successfully bring home your new member of the family? How do you help older siblings with this transition? Please take a moment to answer the questions below. Doing so will help other parents in the future. It is very helpful for me when compiling answers if you at least number the answers you give. You can also copy the questions and answer them. If the question does not apply to you, simply put "N/A."

1. How old was your child[ren] when you brought the new baby home?

2. What, if anything, did you do before the baby was born/adopted to prep the older sibling? 

3. In retrospect, what do you think helped your older child[ren] with the transition?

4. In retrospect, what do you think did NOT help your older child[ren] with the transition?

5. How did your child respond to the change? Things like, how did the child initially react? What about a few weeks later? Did you notice any behavioral or sleep impacts? 

6. Any advice for parents about to take this step?

Poll Discussion: Age Gap Between Children

No matter how much you research it, you will never find the perfect, one right answer. The reason? There are too many variables and too many life experiences to draw from. What worked well for one family may have been hard for another. Every age spacing has its perks and its difficulties. 

Despite that, we humans want to know. We want to ask around and be told what is best. I maintain there isn't a best, but I do think it can be wise to gather experiences from other so you can see what seems to fit you best. 

Please take a moment to fill this poll out on the topic of age spacing. Share your experience with honesty and realism. It is very helpful for me when compiling answers if you at least number the answers you give. You can also copy the questions and answer them. If the question does not apply to you, simply put "N/A."

1. What is the age spacing between your children? (if you have more than two children, you can list the various age gaps).

2. What are the perks, or pros,  of each age gap? (if you listed more than one, please list the perks with the age gap listed. For example, "18 month gap: Perks are...")

3. What are the drawbacks, or cons, of each age gap? (if you listed more than one, please list the perks with the age gap listed. For example, "24 month gap: Cons are...")

4. Knowing what you know now, what do you imagine the perfect age gap might be (if you were able to have it just how you wanted)?

5. Any comments you want to share?

Poll Discussion: Sleep Props

There are times when a sleep prop is a necessary tool to help your baby sleep. Some things one person views as a sleep prop another person does not. Sometimes we hear so much warning about the usage of sleep props we are afraid to use them when the situation might warrant it. While I avoid many sleep props, there are many on the sleep prop list I used with my children and highly recommend to everyone. Some examples of sleep props are (NOTE--not all people would view all of these as sleep props, but considering a sleep prop to be something that you give baby or do for baby to help baby fall sleep, let's call them all sleep props for this poll):

• Pacifier
• Sleep positioner
• Sound machine
• Swaddle
• Rocking baby to sleep
• Nursing baby to sleep
• Sleep location other than crib (swing, rock and play, wrap...)

It is very helpful for me when compiling answers if you at least number the answers you give. You can also copy the questions and answer them. If the question does not apply to you, simply put "N/A."

1. What sleep props did/does your child use?

2. What age did your child start with each prop?

3. What age did your child end with each prop?

4. When you ended each prop, was it difficult for your child?

5. If yes to number 4, what kind of reaction was it and how long did the reaction last?

6. In retrospect, would you use that prop again?

7. Any advice on sleep props?

Poll Discussion: Sleeping Through the Night

In our sleep deprived states as parents with newborns, we are often anxious to get back to sleeping through the night. Perhaps one of the hardest things about it is not knowing when it will happen for sure. It would be easier if we knew it would be 9 weeks, right? Then we could mentally prepare ourselves. This poll is intended to help people see what is typical, and also that there are situations that are not in the range of typical.

It is very helpful for me when compiling answers if you at least number the answers you give. You can also copy the questions and answer them. If the question does not apply to you, simply put "N/A."

1. What age did your child start sleeping 7-8 hours uninterrupted consistently?
2. What age did your child start sleeping 9-10 hours uninterrupted consistently?
3. What age did your child start sleeping 11-12 hours uninterrupted consistently?
4. Did baby sleep through the night on his/her own, or did you do something to expedite the process?
5. If yes to 4, what did you do? Was it successful?
6. If you tried cluster feeding, do you feel like it helped baby sleep through the night?
7. If you did the dreamfeed, do you feel like it helped baby sleep through the night?
8. If you did CIO at night, how many nights did it take to get to sleeping through the night?
9. What helped baby sleep through the night?
10. What hindered baby sleeping through the night?
11. Any words of wisdom or encouragement for parents hoping to have their baby sleep through the night?

Poll Discussion: Chores

As college-aged students get more and more unable to handle the pressures of college, people are starting to try to analyze why this is. As I have read over the many articles circulating on this topic, I have noticed that most (if not all) articles talk about the importance of having your children do chores while raising them. And so, that is the topic of our current poll.

It is very helpful for me when compiling answers if you at least number the answers you give. You can also copy the questions and answer them. If the question does not apply to you, simply put "N/A."

1-What is the age of your child?

2-Do you have your child do chores?

3-What are 3-5 examples of chores that your child currently does?

4-What age did you start chores?

5-Do you think it is important for your child to do chores?

6-In reference to question 5, why yes or why no?

7-Any words of advice of comments on chores?

Poll Discussion: Weaning from Breast

It is very helpful for me when compiling answers if you at least number the answers you give. You can also copy the questions and answer them. If the question does not apply to you, simply put "N/A."

1. What age did your baby wean from the breast?

2. Did you initiate weaning or did baby?

3. Why did you wean?

4. Did you experience any engorgement?

5. Did you notice any enhanced emotional states? (sad, weepy, etc.)

6. What method/process did you use to wean? (cold turkey, dropping one at a time, etc.)

7. How did your baby handle the weaning? 

8. Any advice or words of wisdom?