So...Things I'm Learning Through Motherhood::04

04::Sleep works wonders.

When I was pregnant with First Daughter, I was given a book Healthy Sleep Habits Happy Child. I remember thinking "how funny to get a book about teaching your baby how to sleep!" Sleep seemed like one of those things that just happens. Like, instinctual. Little did I know how much I would come to appreciate that book and the effects of a good night of sleep. On baby and parents.

You remember when you were a kid and your parents would say, "you must be tired" when you were upset over something? Well, I do. I remember very vividly my parents telling me that and I remember how angry it made me. I was not tired!

Well, it was true. I was.
And now I see so clearly in my kids, what my parents saw in me then.
Sleepy kids are not happy kids.

And you know what?
Sleepy parents are not happy parents.
I can't tell you how many of our tantrums {by kiddos or mama} are caused by lack of sleep.

I have learned in the few short years that I have been a mom, that sleep makes all the difference. My kiddos naps are a priority. I hang on to them as long as possible. There is so much good - for them and for me - that comes from naptime. Bedtime is also a priority. Even if it means cutting activities and plans short. It is so totally worth it.

And even though I may be tempted to stay up late and have some extra me time, I know I will be happier {and a better mom} the next day if I go to sleep. And, if I have a chance to take a nap, I take it. Hands down. There will always be another chance to unload the dishwasher or fold the laundry. Sleep is precious and naps for mama are a gift. Or at least they are to me. And oh how I miss the days when I got them.

And nighttime sleep habits are a whole different conversation...
Let's just say, I learned {and my family learned} the hard way that this mama is not so pleasant when woken up at night. Or early in the morning. And I spent years feeling guilty for not being happy to rock my babies in the middle of the night and sing them songs to sleep. It also took me a couple years to wake Husband up and ask him for help.

But you know what? I'm so glad that I got over that. Everyone was happier when I realized this was one of my limits and we did what was necessary for our family to sleep through the night.

And now we all have hours of uninterrupted sleep every night!
I never thought this day would come. Seriously.
But it's here! At least for a while. :O)



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Thanks for stopping by!
and thanks for coming back::it makes me happy knowing someone out there is reading